J.D. Chatman

J.D. Chatman was born on December 31, 1936, in Shelby, Mississippi, to Robert and Ernestine Chatman. From an early age, J.D. exhibited a strong commitment to education and excellence. He attended Long and Howard Kennedy grade schools in Omaha, Nebraska, and later graduated from Omaha Technical High School with scholastic honors that set him apart from his classmates.

Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, J.D. attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he earned a degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance.

After serving honorably in the United States Marine Corps, J.D. returned to civilian life and began working at Omaha National Bank as a security guard. His ambition and intelligence soon led him to a groundbreaking opportunity at U.S. National Bank in Omaha, where he became the institution’s first Black Management Trainee. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Junior Installment Lending Officer—another historic first for a Black man in Omaha’s banking industry.

Beyond his career in finance, J.D. was an entrepreneur. Alongside his wife, Barbara, he purchased and operated the Beacon Movie Theater in Omaha, Nebraska, a testament to his dedication to business and community engagement.

J.D.’s career later took him to Colorado, where he joined First National Bank of Denver as a trainer for personnel and commercial lending officers. He was later promoted to Real Estate Construction Lending Officer, further expanding his impact in the banking sector. He then moved to Columbia Savings and Loan Association, where he served as a Residential Mortgage Lending Officer overseeing six regional branches.

His expertise led him to the Colorado Division of Banking, where he served as a Bank Field Supervisor before being promoted to Chief Supervising Examiner. In this role, he led a team of 18 professional bank examiners responsible for regulating 165 state-chartered banks and 125 industrial banks.

J.D. concluded his distinguished career at the Colorado Attorney General’s Office in Denver, where he served as UCCC Deputy Administrator and Chief Supervising Examiner. After more than 42 years of exceptional service in banking and regulatory oversight, he retired, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and integrity.

On March 12, 2025, J.D. Chatman passed away peacefully at his home in Aurora, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ernestine Chatman; his beloved brothers Johnny Chatman, Robert Chatman Jr., and Percy Chatman; and his cherished sister, Dorothy Chatman (Morrison), (ex-wife) Betty Brown Chatman. J.D. leaves behind a loving family to mourn his passing: his wife, Margaret Chatman; his brother, Vaughn Richard Chatman; ex-wife Barbara Chatman, his children, Jay, Sandy, Karen and Troy; as well as several grandchildren a host of nieces, nephews, dear friends, and esteemed colleagues.

“The worth and value of a man is in his heart and his will; there lies his real honor. Valor is the strength, not of legs and arms, but of heart and soul.”

Rest in eternal peace, J.D. Chatman.