James Clayton Chandler

James “Jim” Clayton Chandler, 89, of Roanoke, VA, died of congestive heart failure on October 30, 2021.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Carolyn Roxanne Chandler of Charlottesville, VA; his son, Douglas Eugene Chandler of Charles City, VA; his sister, Helen Chandler Bigham of Sandy Springs, GA; and two nieces, Gail Bigham Williams and Linda Bigham Thomas, both of Dunwoody, Ga.

Jim was born on February 22, 1932, in Mayfield, KY, to Bob Chandler and Margaret Smith Chandler. He spent his formative years in Paris, TN and graduated from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. On December 21, 1953, he married Jo Ann Ferguson and they remained happily married for 62 years until her death.

He served in the Army as a First Lieutenant during the Korean War.  After his discharge, he went to work for the Southern Railway (later the Norfolk Southern) where he remained for over 30 years working his way up from Clerk to Director of Intermodal Marketing.

He enjoyed many years working with the Salem Host Lions Club where he held numerous positions.  He was a steadfast member of Windsor Hills United Methodist Church and member of the Sojourner Sunday School Class.  He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed cheering on his Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves.  Most evenings found him imbibing a glass of Stoli’s Vodka and savoring Virginia unsalted peanuts.

He was the absolute best dad two kids could have and his children will miss him terribly but they take comfort in thinking that somewhere up there, he’s enjoying his Stoli’s from the best seat in the house as he watches his beloved Atlanta Braves compete in the 2021 World Series!

The family wishes to thank his friends and the staff at Brandon Oaks Life Plan Community with special thanks to the assisted living team for their care and compassion these past six months.

Out of love and concern for family and friends, there will be no in-person service; however, a virtual service will be live-streamed on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at 9:30AM. Please visit

https://www.lotzfuneralhomesalem.com/tributes/James-Chandler to view the live-stream.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Windsor Hills United Methodist Church, 3591 Windsor Road SW, Roanoke, VA 24018; or Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road SW, Roanoke, VA 24018.  Online condolences to the family may be made at www.lotzfuneralhomesalem.com.

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