James Robert Chandler Jr.

James Robert Chandler Jr. was born Nov. 14, 1961 to James and Pat Chandler. 

James married the love of his life Katy in June of 1986 and instantly gained a 3-year-old, blonde-haired, blue-eyed little girl who thought he hung the moon. In 1988 he and Katy had a rough and tumble little boy and their little family was complete. In December of 1989 they picked up and moved to Chilton, where they made so so many new friends, many of whom turned out to be lifelong. In 1992 they were surprised by their third bundle of joy and she was cherry on the sundae that everyone dubbed the baby of the family, a moniker that stands till this day.

When James inherited the Davis place from his Uncle Johnnie, he decided to move the happy family out to Durango and in 2004 they built their dream house. Their house on the hill. In that home James would take in any kid that needed a place to stay. His kindness for children knew no bounds. When his own kids were mostly grown and out on their own he opened his home to even more kids, the FBC Chilton Youth group. They hosted Halloween parties, Disciple Now and Christmas parties. Any opportunity to have a house full of kids was enthusiastically welcomed. When his grandkids were born, you couldn't find a more proud Papa. He aggravated those kids and loved them with a fierce kind of love that is so precious and pure. He was a person that is hard to put into words.  Tough but kind, loving, understanding, strong, loyal, funny, these words only seem to scratch the surface.

In 2020, the year we'll all remember for various reasons, he was diagnosed with cancer. He underwent chemo and surgeries and never lost his sense of humor. He always put on a brave face for his kids and grandsons. He fought so hard but the Lord had big plans for him behind the Pearly Gates. The impact he had on his family and friends became evident as an outpouring of love, support and lots of food came in waves. Everyone had a funny story or kind words to say, a true testament to his legacy here on earth.
James is survived by his bride, Katy; sisters, Linda and Cindy; and his brothers, Emmitt and Dick; his children and their spouses, Amanda and Josh, Coy and Keeley and Chelsey and Colton; his grandsons, Lawson, Riggin, Weston, Everett and Boone.