James Chandler

James Jerome Chandler was born on Saturday, August 3, 1929, in Lamar, Colorado. He was the son of William Woods and Thelma (Gillespie) Chandler. Jim spent his childhood in Lyons, Kansas moving to Ottawa, Franklin County Kansas in the mid 1950’s, where he raised a family and became a dedicated member of the community. Jim passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at the age of eighty-three years. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at Kansas State University, and after obtaining a business degree he served his country as an officer in The United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves. Following in his family’s footsteps he enjoyed, and truly loved, a long and rewarding career as a banker at the First National Bank of Ottawa. Jim is survived by his children, Christine and spouse Chuck Zeugner, James and spouse Shelagh, sisters-in-law Geneva Chandler, Wanda Pederson, Joyce Salsbury, Inger Showalter and Shirley Rombold, brothers-in-law Frank Sabatini and Pete Rombold, his grandchildren Chloe Lamberson, Ben Rivera, and Trevor Pacheco along with numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his father William Woods Chandler, mother Thelma Gillespie Chandler, brothers William Woods Chandler Jr. and Albert Arthur Chandler, and sister Alice Catherine Sabatini, his first wife Judith Rombold, daughter Mary Thelma Pacheco, granddaughter Ivy Pacheco, his second wife Gwendola Ann Pederson, and sisters-in-law Deloris Davidson and Tomalea Pederson. Jim never met a stranger. He loved his community and supported many local organizations including Boy Scout Troop 74 and the Rotary Club. He was an active member of the congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church, serving the church throughout his years there as an elder and on many committees including the building committee, finance committee, and others. Jim was rarely idle and spent many happy hours tinkering in his woodworking shop, fishing for the elusive “big one,” and working on projects around the house. He was an avid sailor, and to ensure he would always have sailing buddies he persuaded his friends into building a fleet of El Toro sailboats in his garage. He then proudly sailed his beautifully crafted wooden boat in regattas around the country. Jim was also a talented photographer who greatly enjoyed perfecting his craft and traveling the world to shoot photographs that he would then develop and print in his own darkroom. Many of his photos won awards at juried shows in Kansas and elsewhere. Jim will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be deeply missed and remain in the hearts and thoughts of his family and friends forever. SERVICES: Funeral Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, 1:30 P.M. Wednesday, December 12, 2012. VISITATION: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Chandler at Dengel & Son Mortuary after 1:00 P.M. Tuesday to the service hour where the family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Tuesday evening. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Westminster Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. An online Guest Book is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.