James Chandler Obituary
In Loving Memory of James Allison Chandler December 7, 1939 – May 6, 2026
James Allison Chandler, age 86, of Rome, went home to be with the Lord on May 6, 2026. Born on December 7, 1939, James lived a full and adventurous life, one filled with music, laughter, family, faith, and many miles on the open road.
James was preceded in death by his father, James Herman Chandler, and his mother, Sarah Elizabeth Webb Chandler.
He is survived by the love of his life, his devoted wife, Shirley Tucker Chandler; his daughters, Tracy Chandler England (Jason) and Secunda “Connie” Chandler (Dana McBurnett); and his blended family, son Von Tucker and daughter Vivian Tucker.
He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Amber Eason Richardson (Sam), Bryce Eason, Chandler Nielsen (Luke), Sean England (Kayla), Scotty Justice, Toby Tucker, and Brandon Niederhuth; as well as his beloved great-grandchildren, Laiya Richardson, Ava Richardson, Kason Richardson, Alyvia Justice, Michael Tucker, and Willow Niederhuth.
For 54 years, James traveled highways across America as a truck driver, proudly known on the CB radio as “Mr. BoJangles.” He loved the adventure of the road and never met a stranger along the way. Whether at a truck stop, a gas station, or standing in line for coffee, James could strike up a conversation with anyone — and usually leave them laughing before he walked away.
After retirement, he traded eighteen wheels for tractor wheels and headed to Marianna, Florida, where he loved bushhogging with his cousin. He was happiest riding a tractor through tall grass, proudly declaring, “You GROW it, and we will MOW it!”
James was also a Mason, a man who valued brotherhood, honor, and quiet service. He was a devoted Christian man who loved God and cherished his family deeply. He had a gift for music and could often be found with a guitar in hand, singing gospel songs and even writing a few of his own. On Saturday mornings, local folks knew exactly where to find him — at McDonald’s, “pickin’ and grinnin’” with fellow musicians, sharing music, faith, jokes, and plenty of stories with anyone willing to listen.
But above all these things, James was a husband and father whose love rooted itself deeply within his family. Nothing delighted him more than watching the branches of his life continue to bloom through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved them not with grand speeches, but with presence, with work, with music, with laughter, and with the steadfastness that says, I am here, and you are loved.
He loved life, loved people, and loved making others smile. If you ever met James, chances are you walked away with a laugh, a story, or maybe even a song stuck in your head.
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 11, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Good Shepherd Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 12, at 2:00 PM in the chapel at Good Shepherd Funeral Home.
Though “Mr. BoJangles” has parked his truck for the final time, we can all imagine Heaven got a little louder, a little funnier, and a whole lot more musical the day he arrived.
