James Cheatham

James Gilliam Cheatham, 63, of Wilson, Wyoming, formerly of Griffin, Georgia passed away August 8, 2016 after a lengthy struggle with complications from surgery. Gilliam was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 26, 1953 to John Henry Cheatham, Jr and Leila Gilliam Grantland Barnes.
He attended Darlington School where he made invaluable lifetime friends and continued to graduate from the University of Georgia. He then took a position at Dundee Mills in Griffin, Georgia and worked there for many years until it was sold to another company. After that, out performing expectations, he and a good team of Dundee folks created a sucessful and thriving buisiness of 1888 Mills in Griffin, Georgia keeping the textile spirit alive. Among other things, Gilliam was a member of the Sons of Colonial Wars and St Georges Church in Griffin, Georgia.
In 2001, Gilliam "retired" to Wilson, Wyoming still instrumental in 1888 and enjoying his hobbies of fly fishing, hiking, paragliding and the outdoors. 1888 thrives today with Made In America products. In 2006, he married his sweetheart, Blaire Ewing. They made their home where Gilliam had yearned to be most of his life. He volunteered with the Jackson Historical Society sharing the history of Jackson with visitors.
He is survived by his wife, Blaire and his two daughters, Eleanor Cheatham Lawson and Laura Cheatham Barnhart and son in law J.R. Barnhart. Three adorable granddaughters, Eleanor Cheney Lawson, Martha Blakely Lawson and Elizabeth Sterling Barnhart. Gilliam is also survived by a brother, John Henry Cheatham III and a sister, Leila Cheatham von Stein and husband John von Stein. He was preceeded in death by his parents and a son, James Gilliam Cheatham, Jr.
Graveside services will be held Aug 20. Valley Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of memorials or flowers, Gilliam would ask only that you commit a selfless act of support for someone you care about.
I AM WELL AGAIN, I CAME TO LIFE IN THE COOL WINDS AND CRYSTAL WATERS OF THE MOUNTAINS....JOHN MUIR