James Chachas

James John Chachas, known to family and friends as Jimmy, was a longtime Nevada attorney whose roots ran deep in the community of Ely, White Pine County, where he was born on October 14, 1943. The fourth of five children of John G. Chachas and Evelyn Tsimopoulous, he grew up among a family known for building and operating a range of local enterprises, including the Cleveland Ranch, the Junction Motor Service Company, and the Hilltop Motel. He attended White Pine High School, where he distinguished himself as an All-State basketball player.

He went on to earn two bachelor's degrees from Stanford University - one in Economics in 1964 and a second in Biology in 1967 - before completing his legal education at the University of Utah School of Law. After earning his law degree, he opened a law practice in Las Vegas, building his professional life in Nevada. At one point he considered a turn toward public service, seeking the position of City Attorney in his hometown of Ely.

James never married and in his later years resided in Salt Lake City, near his brother Gregory. All four of his siblings - Bessie, Greg, Ted, and Basil - preceded him in death. He is remembered by nine nieces and nephews and by numerous second cousins in Ely and Las Vegas. He died on January 18, 2020, at the age of 76.