James (Jim) B Chandler

James B. Chandler was born in Smith Center, Kansas on January 20, 1957, and went to be with the Lord on December 21, 2023, in McKinney, Texas.

Jim was a gift to all who knew him. He was truly one-of-a-kind. He was the life of the party but made all feel special. His eccentric style, entertaining humor, and enthusiastic personality were a winning combo. One that everyone gravitated towards. His presence will be greatly missed.

Jim’s childhood years were spent in Smith Center. He loved growing up there. Jim played sports, was an Eagle Scout, and in school plays and musicals. He was a talented guitar player and singer. His teachers and classmates might have also described him as a little mischievous or the class clown, but those who knew him best understood he wanted those around him to smile. Jim’s boyhood best friends, Tom Edell and Drew Hawes, became his lifelong friends. They always stayed in touch and visited each other when they could. Jim left a positive mark on his hometown and all who knew him. After high school, Jim was awarded a scholarship to Marymount College in Salina, Kansas where he majored in theatre and business. Jim was in several college musical productions and played the lead role in Cabaret.

He was a consummate salesman and tireless entrepreneur. He built a successful corporate relocation company, Quantum Relocation Services, that served many Fortune 500 companies. He was incredibly hard-working, but above all he was honest and generous. Jim gave to so many in need and donated to causes without hesitation. One of his nieces remembered, “I’ll never forget when he paid a little boy’s medical bill anonymously. It left such an impression on me as an example of what it actually means to give.”

Ross (son) and Skylar (grandson) gave Jim the titles he was most proud of — Pops and Papa. Ross and Jim were the best of friends, an inseparable duo, a fun pair; when the two of them were together; they made each other and everyone around them laugh. When Skylar came, they became an inseparable trio. Skylar was their reason for working so hard. After Ross’ passing, a piece of him carried on in Skylar. Jim was honored to continue to raise him. To say he was a proud Papa would be an understatement.

Jim loved the outdoors and water — beach, lake or pool. In his “glory days,” his boat Makin’ Moves, followed by Makin’ Moves II, and jet-skis supplied countless memories. Summers in Siesta Key with the entire family at Gulf and Bay were a highlight. He loved to entertain and have everyone gathered. Jim was always looking for an excuse to throw a party whether it was a birthday, holiday, or just a cookout. His annual Christmas parties were always looked forward to and talked about until the next year.

In 2011, he married the love of his life, Barbara. They shared an appreciation of history, enjoyed traveling, and hosting family and friends. He cared deeply for her and was proud of their relationship.

Jim’s family and friends meant everything to him. One of his nephews said it best, “I wish everyone could have an Uncle Jim.” He was a natural with babies and children who gravitated towards him. His family and friends were blessed to have him for 66 years. He will be missed beyond words. We thank the Lord for who he was to each of us, for the memories, and that we will be reunited again.

Jim is survived by his wife Barbara Chandler; grandson Skylar James Chandler; brother Kirk Ross Chandler and his wife Peggy; sisters Stephanie Freeman and her husband Mike, Sondra Thorne and her husband Tom. He is survived by his nephews; Shane Freeman, Matt Chandler, Luke Thorne, and nieces; Allison Wilson and her husband Jeremy, Misti Whalon and her husband John, Ashley Bass and her husband Preston, and Olivia Thorne; great nieces Lilly Chandler, Zoe Whalon, Kate Chandler, Presley Bass, Aubrey Bass and great nephews Samuel Kirk Wilson and Asher Ross Wilson. He is also survived by many close cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father, Hugh Aubrey Chandler, his mother Betty Joan Chandler, and his son, Ross James Chandler.

Please join the family for a visitation and time together on Saturday, December 30, 2023, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Skylar Chandler’s college fund. Please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/skylar-chandlers-college-fund or reach out to Sondra Thorne (214-533-3903).