James Francis Cheetham, 76, of Locust Grove, VA passed away on Friday August 14, 2015 at Mary Washington Hospital after a long battle with Parkinson's. He was born on February 5, 1939 to Harry Paul and Evelyn (Johnston) Cheetham in Charlotte, NC. After graduation from high school, Jim joined the US Air Force in December 1957, serving until December 1961 as a cryptographer. Jim married Kathleen Ann Yorke on October 13, 1962 in Arlington, VA. Jim joined the CIA as a Communicator, from which he retired in 1989, after over 30 years of combined service. During his employment, Jim and Kathleen traveled to many places, before retiring in Woodbridge, VA. In 1995, they moved to the Lake of the Woods Locust Grove, VA.
Jim is survived by his wife, Kathleen and three children: James Scott (Paula) of Stafford, VA., Heather Marie (Louis) Becka of Woodbridge, VA., Sean Joseph (Jamie) Cheetham of Bristow, VA., brother Robert Cheetham of Duxbury, MA, and 5 grandchildren: Cara, Derek, Kristin, Erin and Dylan. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers (Russell Cheetham and Harry Cheetham), 3 sisters (Priscilla Donovan, Eleanor Kerry and Mary Sommers) and a grandson Patrick James Cheetham.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm, with a Prayer service at 7:30pm, Tuesday, August 18th at Laurel Hill Funeral Home, Spotsylvania, VA. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, August 19th at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Fredericksburg, VA., with Father Kevin Fimian officiating.
Interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church - Building fund.