James Alvin Chandler Sr.

James A Chandler Sr., known to family and friends as “Jimmy” and “Pops”, passed away suddenly on July 21, 2018 at the age of 79.
Jimmy, born in Hattiesburg, MS moved to New Orleans at an early age. He graduated from Fortier High School, attended Tulane School of Business, served in the Army National Guard, and retired as a Customer Service Representative and IT Trainer for NOPSI/LP&L/Entergy.
Jimmy was a stellar athlete at Fortier, but the musical sounds of New Orleans called and he answered. Once he bought his beloved 1957 Fender Precision Bass, the rest was history. He performed with The Esquires, Pete Fountain, Sparks, Billy Bell and the Dominos, Frankie Ford, Dr. John, Al Hirt, The Dixieland Saints, Art Ryder’s Electric Jazz Band, The Jokers, The Contemporaries, Cosimo Recording Studios, Allen Toussaint, The Fugg-Ow-ees, The Satisfiers, The Seminole 5+2 and many more.  He is a three-time Louisiana Music Hall of Fame Inductee, as well as a Westbank Music Hall of Fame Inductee. The dude could play!
Jimmy helped establish Lakeview playground in the early ‘70s and was a volunteer baseball coach. Besides his love of music, he was active with St. Dominic’s Men’s Club, Mount Carmel Giving Drive, Jesuit Men’s Club, and cheering on the New Orleans Saints.
A gifted public speaker, Jimmy was a state and national leader in Toastmaster’s International and received many Awards. He was passionate about teaching others how to communicate effectively to audiences, both large and small.
If we are put on this earth to make a difference and leave ita better place, Jimmy was as successful as anyone could be!
Jimmy is preceded is death by his beloved wife, Betty O’Brien Chandler, his mother Lela, and his father Daniel. He has left his mark on his three children: Jimmy(Elizabeth), Bobby (Donna), and Kim (Ross Brown). Survived by grandchildren: Brett (Lauren), Brooke, Kaylie, Lindsey, and Allie. He will be greatly missed by the entire O’Brien family, his relatives and numerous friends that he has met along his road to heaven. Jimmy never met a stranger - he was passionate about life and helping others.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Jimmy’s life on Saturday, July 28, 2018 (Visitation begins 9am and Service at 12:15pm) at Jacob Schoen & Son, 3827 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119.Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. To view and sign the family guestbook, please go to www.schoenfh.com.

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