James (Jim) Chandler, age 87, was born December 5, 1934, in Whiting, Iowa. He was one of seven born to Leo and Alice Chandler. As a boy, Jim grew up in the Vaughn, New Mexico area. At the age of 13, he started his many adventures. He worked a variety of jobs including many ranch jobs. The old-time cowboys called him “The Kid”. He worked for $10 a month and would only go to town every six months. His goal was to save enough money to buy his first saddle which he still has to this day.
In the early days, he and his brother, Duane, found their way to Canada where they started a homestead. Over time, the dual citizenship laws forced them to give up the homestead, and they moved back to the states. He began hitchhiking around the country meeting many people and making many friends. He broke horses for Billy Big Springs and many others too numerous to name. He also roofed houses, did beautiful tile work, worked in the oil field, and cowboyed on many ranches. Jim was a jack of all trades and had many talents, but his true passion was ranching.
Jim met his first wife, Betty Krusen around the age of 19 and they later parted ways. He eventually married the love of his life, Bobbie, on April 5, 1968. Jim and Bobbie were married 54 years and together they raised their blended family. They worked and lived on a few ranches in South Dakota and moved to Montana in the early 70’s where they put down roots.
Jim worked many years on the Hook Ranch and later worked for the Montgomery Ranch. He ended his career working for Rosebud County maintaining the Cemetery. Jim, along with Bobbie, also managed the Wagon Wheel Campground for years and they eventually purchased it. They worked hard building their life together and they passed their strong work ethic onto their children.
Jim enjoyed riding, roping and “shooting the breeze”. He loved reading and working with rawhide and leather. He made several beautiful quirts and hackamores over the years. His braiding talents have been admired by many and something he was very proud of.
Jim had a great sense of humor. He was always cracking jokes. He was well known as a rough and rowdy cowboy with a sharp wit and many funny one-liners. He was a man with many cherished friends. To his family, he will be remembered as a man with a heart of gold that loved us more than anything; but more importantly, he had a strong love for his wife. He will be missed by all of us.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Alice Chandler; Brothers Alton, Vernon and Duane; Sisters Genevieve, Gloria and Evon; and two daughters, Pat Anderson and Terri Hamman.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie and seven children: Scott (Frankye) Chandler of Sheridan, WY; Kelly Chandler of Forsyth, MT; Alan (Louise) Dean of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Jody Chandler of Pine Dale, WY; Rebecca (Kent) Undlin of Miles City, MT; Billie (Edwin) Brauer of Miles City, MT; and Mike (Shelly) Chandler of Sheridan, WY; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Too many to name but he loved them all very much.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 AM
Saturday July 2, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 AM
Saturday July 2, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Vickie & Dennis Krause says
Bobbi & Jim’s family, we just want you to know you are all in our prayers. Jim lived a very colorful life & definitely could tell stories. He’ll be shooting the breeze with the best. Memories last forever & I am sure your family has lots of them. Rest In Peace, Jim. Dennis & Vickie Krause
Vickie & Dennis Krause says
Bobbi & Jim’s family, we just want you to know you are all in our prayers. Jim lived a very colorful life & definitely could tell stories. He’ll be shooting the breeze with the best. Memories last forever & I am sure your family has lots of them.
Connie Brown says
Bobbee and Family,
It is hard to believe my ole neighbor is truly gone! May he rest in peace! I know those in heaven better be ready to hear lots of “Cowboy Stories”.
Forest Plympton says
Rest easy old buddy! I really enjoyed our times cowboying together! You were one of the good ones!
Amber Nielson says
Bobbie, Kelly and family, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Hold your memories & strength close to your heart. My thoughts & prayers are with you.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He was a wonderful sweet gentleman.
Nan says
Dearest Bobbi
So very sad to hear of you losing Jim. Great man. We were so blessed to have known him. He will be remembered by many. You and your family have our prayers and thoughts for comfort at this time.
Larry and Nan Quinlan
Barb and Daryl Pedersen (Iowa) says
What a man! In 1981 we went out to see Scott and Jim came walking in the Ranch house on the Yellowstone River in the middle of the night with a gun on and with a patch over one eye. HE WAS SO SCARY! He was a true rowdy Cowboy, God Bless you Bobbie! He had great love especially as age slowed the old boy down. It slowed the rowdy Cowboy down in him I think. May our Lord provide his favorite horse and he is Riding in Heaven with NO PAIN and while smiling as he is free from his earthly body which had aged as we remember him now.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Bobbie and Billie Sue and family,
Sorry for your loss! My condolences and prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Mary Ingman says
Chandler Family,
Although we did not know Jim well, we are so glad to have shared time with him. He leaves a wonderful legacy for his family. We pray that God’s peace is with you during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Scot & Mary Ingman
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Brenda Potts says
Bobble and family sending blessings and condolences during your difficult time
Debbie Anderson says
Oh Bobbi, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Debi Granger-McCloskey says
Chandler Family,
I grew up living near Pat, Terri, Scott, Kelly and Jody (in Iowa). Although I only met Jim once in 1981 when I visited Scott and his family in Rosebud, Scott had shared many stories with me after he moved to Montana. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Michelle Holm says
Heaven gained a true cowboy, My condolences to the family, one and all. I will always remember Jim’s story telling, and tales of old, and know he left his legacy in his kids and grandkids and even the great grand kids. A life as big as Jim’s will live on, through those that were lucky enough to know him. Loves to all.
marcus belgarde says
dear, Bobbie and Family.
James was a great man and he will be greatly missed but he is in a much better place. we have to remember the good times and the great memories of James and hold onto these memories and cherish them. Sorry for your loss to the family and to Bobbie.
Vicky & Larry Fink says
Bobbie & family…our deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you…take care.
Edward Grywusiewicz says
A fun old cowboy.
Banner & Pat Stokke says
Bobbie and family thinking of you during this time of loss.
Randy Stanhope says
So sorry to hear about Jim prayers to the family
Larry J Phalen says
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, all of you were dear to Sally and I while we were on Sunday Creek. Like everyone we all have stories, but the one’s I like were the ones we had around the Lord and church. He was a blessing to our family. Bobbi continue your closeness with the Lord He knows how to comfort during times such as this. We love you and look forward seeing you soon.
Dave and Donna Lloyd says
Bobbie and family:
Sad to learn of Jim’s passing. Guess the Big Boss upstairs needed another top hand. Always enjoyed our visits. He was an original man with no phoniness in him and blessed with a sense of humor. Our condolences.
lynnette watson says
sorry to hear about Jim he was quite a guy.my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of need.
Janet Loomis says
So sorry for you loss.
Joe and Loy Martens says
Bobbie and family,
So sorry to hear about Jim. He was one of a kind and a good hand.. You are all in our thoughts.