Chiles died in Richmond, Virginia in April of 1930. After Chiles' death, the Lexington Bar Association wrote a tribute in his memory. The tribute was listed in the Lexington Leader newspaper on April 9th 1930 and reads, “Proverbs 22:29 reads, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.” James Alexander Chiles lived a life that serves as an example to all Americans of what is possible when opportunity, access to resources, and hard work are combined”.