James Edward Chase

James Edward Chase affectionately known as “Gene” was born in Ferriday, Louisiana, on November 3rd, 1960, to the late James Smith and Esther Chase both from Ferriday, Louisiana. Gene loved life and his family. 

Gene accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Dr. Reverend Dave Mays of the Rising Sun Baptist Church in Ferriday. He loved singing in the choir, fellowship, and servitude within the Deacon board. 

Gene attended and graduated from Ferriday High school in 1979 where he played cymbals in the marching band. Gene was very competitive in everything he did and was no stranger to backyard basketball and football with his brother and their friends where he talked lots of noise. Immediately following high school, Gene attended Job Corp in Shreveport, Louisiana to learn new life skills in his career passion of social work.

In 1986, Gene took the journey and moved to a new and his current home state of California, where he attended Valley college and went to a private Security Guard school. 

Gene attended church services regularly, and it was there that he met and married his lovely bride, Thalia Frierson. They moved to Fontana California as Gene worked in security as well as in a Home for Developmentally disabled Adults. There union brought 2 children, James Chase, Jr and Jeffery Chase.

Gene and his wife Thalia opened their own Facility for Developmentally disabled adults as well as a Pizza restaurant in the city of Fontana. 

Gene and his family moved to Texas with his in-laws where he worked for Private Security. He stayed there just a short time, until his wife went home to be with the Lord. Gene then relocated to Fontana continuing to work Security and opening a Room and Board for Mentally Ill individuals. 

Gene continued working and participating in church activities until he medically retired in 2015.

Gene retired in Fontana but continued participating in church and community activities until his health prevented him from continuing. He went home to be with the Lord November 12th 2024 at 1:46pm surrounded by family praying for a peaceful transition while playing and singing Tasha Cobbs song “The Moment”. 

He was preceded in death by his parents James R. Smith and Esther Chase, his wife Thalia Frierson-Chase and baby brother James “Jimmy”.

He leaves to cherish his memory his two sons Jimmy and Jeffery Chase both of Texas, Step-Mom Julianne Smith of Compton CA; brothers Willie (Wife Katisha) Chase of Covington, GA, Tony D. Smith (wife Ormeana) of California, Bobby Smith of California, Robert Smith of Texas; Sisters Kimberly Smith of California and Sabrina Smith of Texas, and Aunt Martha. constant companions in his last days, Vernall of California and Ms. Alma. 

James also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and Church friends.