On July 26, 1932, in West Point, Mississippi, Gerdine and Marcella Chandler were delighted with the birth of their first born, a boy – Jimmie! But wait, there seemed to be another, and sure enough, 15 minutes later along came his twin brother Bobbie!
Jimmie is the eldest of 6 siblings – Bobbie Sr., Sara, Myra, George Edward, and Cyril Sr. He has graciously served in the capacity of big brother throughout their lives.
Jimmie, as a teen, was baptized at Mount Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, the church that his great-grandfather Silas Chandler, a former Slave, helped to build, that was located on the same block as the family home.
Jimmie and Bobbie both were very active and adventurous. Everyone in West Point knew the “Chandler twins”. They never engaged in any criminal escapades, however many mischievous ones, i.e., disassembling a horse- drawn wagon, and leaving it re-assembled on the stage of the chapel at the school that they attended.
His selling abilities started at a noticeably youthful age when the twins sold “maters and taters”, from their little wagon, that were grown from their mother’s garden.
After finishing studies at Mary Holmes High School/Jr. College, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served his tour of duty during the Korean Conflict, in the U.S. and in Germany. Jimmie was honorably discharged from the armed services in March of 1955.
Jimmie returned to his hometown of West Point, Mississippi, where he was reunited with his sweetheart, Velma Johnson. They became engaged and were married on July 19, 1955. They moved then to Washington, D.C., which has been their home since, and where their three children, Jerrold Sr., Deborah, and Harold were born and raised.
Jimmie’s adult work career in DC began at Kiplinger Editor’s Press, next at Prime Printing, and later to Browning Ferris Industries (BFI) from where he retired in 1983. He was a leading salesperson at BFI for years, who rewarded him with all-expense paid trips for two to Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Bermuda, and Acapulco.
Along with full-time jobs, he had also started his entrepreneurship by purchasing a printing press, which he set up in his basement at home. Growth of his business led to the need for more equipment and a larger space, thus, the relocation to Georgia and Illinois Avenue NW - the birth of “Twin Image Lithograph”, affectionately called “The Shop”. After retirement, he worked full time at Twin Image with his partners, Bobbie Chandler and Charlie Williams joining him in their spare time after working full-time jobs.
Twin Image produced quality work ranging from business cards, church bulletins, Masonic trestle boards, newsletters, wedding programs, and much more for over 40 years. Twin Image was more than a business – it was a lively gathering place for friends and family and people of the city and community. The Shop also was home to Jimmie’s favorite pet - his snake, “Elizabeth”, which hung on a large wooden branch from the ceiling for people to see as they came in the door. Jimmie and the Shop crew would get a good laugh when folks would come in and not notice Elizabeth until they were already in the door.
In the Seventies, Jimmie also started another business – Industrial Disposal Services or IDS, which he owned and managed for a number of years, servicing the Washington DC community and vicinity.
Jimmie also enjoyed hanging out with his McDonald’s buddies daily for chats and a cup of coffee. He was well known in the neighborhood and was delighted to give others assistance whenever needed. During a particularly heavy snow one year, Jimmie helped his son Harold clean his walkways, then borrowed Harold’s snow blower, took it home and proceeded to clean all the neighbor’s sidewalks! This kind act landed him an article in the Washington Post newspaper. That’s just the type of man he was!
Never forgetting his roots, he worked faithfully as President, and later as Vice President of the West Point Alumni Association.
Jimmie loved hunting and fishing. For many years after his oldest son, Jerry, became of age, every November, they would drive to Mississippi along with the Williams Brothers (Charlie and Bobby) to deer hunt. Deep sea fishing was also one of his favorite pass-times. He was also a serious Washington Redskins fan and season tickets holder for decades, who loved to attend the games with his brother Bobbie, and other family and friends, or just cheer them on at home on TV.
Jimmie’s compassion for others and a desire to serve led him to travel the path of his elders, becoming a Master Mason in September of 1974, joining Fellowship Lodge #26, F&AM, PHA – Washington DC. Jimmie was heavily involved with the work of the Lodge and community activities, serving on many Boards and Committees over the years, and as Chair of Printing and Publishing from 1979 – 2005. In April 1976, Jimmie advanced to the 32nd Degree - Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret, with Jonathan Davis Consistory No. 1. In October of 1988, Jimmie was elevated to the 33rd Degree – Grand Inspector General. He was also a Noble of Mecca Temple #10, AEAONMS (Shrine).
Jimmie really enjoyed the fun times traveling with Fellowship 26 to visit other Masonic Lodges and Jurisdictions, and you could count on him to be at the Lodge’s Softball games cheering his team on, where he also served as an Assistant Coach.
Jimmie endured more than ten years of a debilitating illness in later years. God didn’t want him to suffer longer. He entered his eternal rest at 4:53 AM on Tuesday, May 28th 2024.
Jimmie was preceded in death by his three brothers, George, Cyril Sr. and Bobbie Sr. Jimmie is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years Velma (Johnson) Chandler; his sisters Sara Wims (Andy); Myra Sampson (John); his Sisters-in-law Doris (Bobbie, Sr.); Mildred (George); Theresa (Cyril, Sr.); his children Jerrold Chandler, Sr. (Andrea); Deborah Chandler, Harold Chandler (Swinitha); his grandchildren Jerrold Chandler, Jr. (Franki), Jasmine Chandler, Ian Chandler; his great grandchildren Kane, Toni, and Tala Chandler, Josiah Miller, Trinity Wilson (Jerrold Chandler Jr. & Franki), and Violet Staub (Jasmine Chandler); his godson Darwin Bagley; his life-long friend Mary Jo Ramseur and a host of wonderful cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, Masonic Brothers and friends.
Rest in peace dear loved one. You will be missed. See you in the morning!
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