Jacques Pierre Marchat, 92, of Hayesville, died gracefully from natural causes due to his great age.
Jacques was born, April 11, 1929 in Nyons, France and son of Laurent and Julia Perbaud Marchat. As a young man, he studied architectural drawing and earned a glider’s pilot license. As an athlete, he excelled in swimming and dreamed of training as an Olympic contender until France was eliminated from competition due to WWII. After the liberation of France, he traveled to America, sponsored by his brother-in-law, Col. Vernon Pendell and his sister, Jeanne Marchat Pendell and settled in Jacksonville, Fla. Soon afterward, he was drafted into the Army and served two years in the Korean conflict as an interpreter in Germany, earning his position as corporal. In 1956 he became an American citizen and married the love of his life, Jacqueline Andre Francine Mauric, born in Villeneuve Les Avignon, France, 1932-2013. Together in 1967 with their children, they left Jacksonville to build a life on Lake Chatuge. Jacques earned his living as a hair stylist and was well known for his straight razor cuts and short hair styles. He was an active member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Hayesville.
Jacques is survived by his daughter, Victoire Marchat Sherlin, married to Leonard Sherlin, of Hayesville; his son, David Laurent Marchat, married to Lynn King; four grandchildren, Constance McCormick Griffin, married to Paul Griffin, of Ireland; Wade Townsend McCormick, Jr.; Christopher Kindrick Marchat and Lisa Marie Marchat Sadowski of Atlanta, Ga.
No services are planned at this time.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home: www.townson-rose.com is in charge of all arrangements.