James Alexander Chittum was the fifth child of ten children born to Thomas G. and Frances "Fanny" Sarah [Turner] Chittum. James was a member of the militia during the John Brown insurrection on 16 Oct 1859. He was on guard duty on 2 Dec 1859 when John Brown was hanged.

James served in the Civil War in 1st Infantry Companies K and C., Regiment 6, Calvary, Paines Brigade in Fitz Lee's Division. He and three brothers, William Thomas, John Jordan and Charles Henry, were with the 6th Virginia Cavalry, under Gen. "Jeb" Stuart. Though never wounded himself, he had several horses shot from under him. He also fought with the Monticello Guards. He was always ready to set people straight when they made incorrect statements about the Civil War. When challenged how he knew, his quick reply, "I was there," settled it. [Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 22, 1929]

After the war, James fell in love with Annie Cornelia Tresham. He had to convince her father Robert Tresham to give consent since she was only 16 years old. James was 26. Robert eventually did give consent and they were married on 22 Mar 1866 by the Rev. Dr. Weisiger in Lexington, Virginia. Their celebration was very simple. Neighbors contributed jonquils & violets from their gardens. Tall lamps were set out to light the evening ceremony. Annie said her tan wedding dress was "not at all like modern dresses, for it had enormous sleeves." The guests shared their supper, along with a beautiful wedding cake. [Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 22, 1929]

James and Annie had nine children. He was a shoemaker and also repaired shoes. After about 45 years in Lexington, the family moved to Richmond, Virginia, around 1887. Eldest daughter Maggie had married William Bobbitt by then and lived in Lynchburg, Virginia.

James and Annie lost three children to illness in childhood and raised six children to adulthood.

James Alexander Chittum died of pneumonia on 13 Dec 1931, in the home of his son Edward at 3416 Ellwood Ave, Richmond. James was 91 yrs, 17 days old.

His funeral services were held in son Edward's home and his burial was in Riverview Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. He was survived by his widow Annie Tresham Chittum; three daughters, Maggie J. Bobbitt, Alberta G. Lusk, and Sarah Frances Stansbury; two sons James Williams and Edward C. Chittum; two brothers Charles Chittum of Lexington and Robert G. Chittum of Staunton, as well as six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Annie lived on another eight years, dying 9 Sep 1939, at 88 years, 2 months, 11 days. She was buried with James in Riverview Cemetery.