James C. Chatmas, Jr.

Surnames: XYDIAS, WHITTEN, PRESTIGE, SPRINKLES

James C. CHATMAS, Jr., (called J.C.) b June 9, 1916 in Marlin, Falls County, Texas - was a son of James C. and Marcia (XYDIAS) CHATMAS, Sr., natives of Greece and Turkey, respectively. J. C. was reared and educated in Marlin, and earned a degree in business from Texas A&M University.

J.C. entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he trained as a pilot, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after World War II. During the Korean conflict, he was recalled to duty, and assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

On August 28, 1941 J.C. CHATMAS, Jr. was married to Maxine Whitten, b in Alvarado, Texas - a daughter of Robert and Adelina (PRESTIGE) WHITTEN. Maxine was teaching school in Marlin at the time of their marriage.

J. C. has been prominent in civic affairs in Marlin, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and is an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Marlin. In 1986, he was elected as the first Silver-Haired Legislator, representing three counties in Texas.

For several years, J.C. operated the Palace Theater in partnership with his father, until his death; and then continued the operation for some time until it was closed. He purchased the Marlin Days Daily Democrat - a Marlin Newspaper, when its owner Hy Fortenberry, died suddenly, and was the Editor and Publisher until his retirement, when he sold the paper to its present owners. J. C. continues to write a weekly column Date Line, under the papers new management.

Three children were corn to James C. And Maxine (WHITTEN) CHATMAS, Jr.:
Connie CHATMAS, b ca 1944 in Marlin, Falls County, Texas and had two children by her first marriage: Rich, b 1971 and Robin b 1973; Married second to C. Delayne SPRINKLES and resides in Marlin, Texas.

Robert CHATMAS, D.D.S. - has his dental practice in Aspen, Colorado. He is married and has one child.

James C. CHATMAS III., (called "Jay") D.D.S. - has his dental practice in Saudi Arabia, and has one child.

Typed by Phyllis Seeley

Some biographies from "Families of Falls County", compiled and edited by the Falls County Historical Commission.
Permission granted to Theresa Carhart by the Falls County Historical Commission, for use on this page.