Obituary of James E. Chandler, Jr.

James Edward Chandler, Jr., was born October 23, 1949 in Edinburg, Texas, to the late Tonner and Bobby Jo Lobrecht.

Upon graduation from high school, he attended Oklahoma State University for one year and then joined the United States Air Force in 1969. He served our Country as a Sergeant in Japan during the Vietnam War from 1969-1973. After leaving the Air Force he attended Oklahoma University and graduated in 1977 with a degree in Physical Education. It was during his time at OU that he met and married his bride, Barbara Cruce. They married on July 6, 1974, loving each other for 49 and a half years.

Jim worked as an insurance salesman in Tulsa, Oklahoma and then in 1981 he had a job opportunity that brought him to Columbia, South Carolina, which became their forever home. Jim and Barb have been members of Grace Baptist Church since their arrival in 1981 where they reared their two children, Cari and Josh.

Jim was a very active parent supporting his kids in all school and sport activities. He loved to walk, play racquetball and later in life he loved riding his bicycle, which he named “Rocket” because it made him feel fast. He even completed a sprint triathlon with his daughter at Paris Island in 2014. He was the best puppy petter for all of his fur grand-babies!

The last four years of his life he struggled with Lewy Body Dementia, ultimately succumbing to the disease and going home to glory on December 5, 2023.

He will always be remembered for his quick wit, his silliness in always wanting to make others laugh, reading and studying the Bible, and his incredibly tender heart. He loved his family, he loved his friends, he loved his church, but most importantly he loved his God!

His memory will be cherished by his wife Barbara Chandler, his daughter Cari (Bert) Hill, and his son Joshua Chandler, all of Lexington, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his mother Bobby Jo Lobrecht and his step-father Tonner Lobrecht.

The family would like to thank Grace Baptist Church for all of their love and support throughout the many years. Jim loved missions, so in lieu of flowers the family request any donations be made to Grace Baptist Church Missions.

The family will gather to receive friends Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Grace Baptist Church (416 Denham Ave, West Columbia, SC 29169) at 11 AM. The funeral service will follow and also be held at Grace Baptist at noon. Jim will be laid to rest at Fort Jackson National Cemetery following the funeral service.