KILMARNOCK—It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of James “Jim” Charbeneau of Kilmarnock on October 17, 2023, at the age of 87 years.
Born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, he will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Carol; children, Paul (Adrienne), Mary (Ted), and John (Janis); cherished grandchildren, Elisabeth, Annemarie and James; and his sisters, Joan Wagner and Julie Rettell; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Roland and Mary Charbeneau; and brother, John.
Jim graduated college with a bachelor’s in geography from Northern Michigan University. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1958-1961 serving in Germany and England. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Carol, and they raised three children in Springfield. He was proud of his 29 year career as an analyst in the CIA, where he befriended and met many interesting people. Even in retirement he continued to “recruit” for his former workplace.
In retirement Jim was part of a Habitat for Humanity work crew. He and Carol went on many sailing adventures from the Great Lakes to the Bahamas and settled in Kilmarnock. He was very active in the Yankee Point Yacht Club, including being the Turkey Shoot Regatta chairman in 2003 which raised funds for Hospice. This led to Jim becoming a volunteer coordinator for Hospice Support Service of the Northern Neck for 14 years where he made a difference in many people’s lives. One of his personal accomplishments was also writing a fictional book of 14 short stories, Shouts and Whispers: Stories from the Southern Chesapeake Bay.
A vigil will be held from 5-7 p.m. October 26 at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. October 27 at St. Francis DeSales in Kilmarnock. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Hospice Support Services of the Northern Neck, Inc., P.O. Box 262, Warsaw, VA 22572.
