James William Cheatham, Sr.

James William Cheatham, Sr.

James was born on December 3, 1939, to Frances Whitner and Rozell Cheatham and was raised on the southside of Indianapolis, IN.

Not long after high school, he joined the military, serving his county in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he came home and started his company called Cheche Magazine. He then worked at Wishard Hospital, until his retirement. While at Wishard, James met his future wife, Emma Louise Gaston, and the two were married for 38 years, until his death.

James enjoyed bowling, cards, fishing, casinos and visiting with his friends.

James was called home on December 31, 2025, with his wife by his side.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Frances; father, Rozell; sons, Javon Bertram and Jaraughn Bertram; and his daughter, Kimberly Bolden.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Emma Cheatham; sons, James Cheatham Jr (Denise), Jamie Gaston (Deborah), Michael Cheatham (Tish), Jaylin Bertram, Jayden Bertram, and Rondell Smith; daughter, Tiffany Bentley (Robert); 20 grandkids including Leah Bolden, LaNesha Tabb (David), Ocketa Cheatham, and James Cheatham (Megan); and many other loving extended family members and friends.