James Carl Chandler

Obituary James Chandler

October 12, 1948 - December 10, 2023

Riverside, California

A man of words, a man of action, a motivator, a rare conservative in the minefield that is academia.

James Chandler passed away on December 10, 2023, succumbing to complications of Parkinson´s. He was with his wife Fran in his final moments. Born to Barbara Jean and James Carl Powell in Pasadena, CA, but raised by Barbara and Jerry (Donald Gerard) Chandler, Jim delighted in telling stories of growing up in the El Sereno and South Pasadena area. Educated in Catholic schools (Holy Family and Don Bosco Tech), Jim´s attributes comprised an eclectic mixture of a classical and a highly technical education. That amalgam defined who was for the rest of his life.

After completing his graduate education at Oregon State and Idaho State, he taught at Don Bosco Tech, Idaho State, CSULA and others–most notably–Rio Hondo College, where he spent 30+ years as the head of the Machine Technology and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programs and was active in Rio´s union. Jim was known for his union leadership.

He also did extensive training for area businesses for over 35 years. As a planner/dean, he funded, built and started numerous technical programs at New Mexico State University, San Juan. As a consultant to the Navajo Nation, James planned and established all the original training programs and facilities for what is now called the Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, AZ. Jim delighted in teaching and motivating students, encouraging them to continue on for training and education that would result in satisfying, high demand jobs thereby enabling them to achieve every aspect of the American dream. To that end, he wrote thousands of recommendations for students, even sponsoring a few of them for American citizenship.

Jim never lost the love of learning, starting every day with The Wall Street Journal, watching news and educational programs throughout the day, researching online, and ending each day with a novel. He was a self-taught craftsman and renovated the family home in South Pasadena He loved to garden and spent every minute he could attending soccer games, motorcycle races, plays, etc., anything that involved the grandchildren.

James Chandler is survived by his wife of 44 years, Frances Gail, as well as four daughters and eight grandchildren. His daughters are Rachel Pacheco, Alyssa Chandler, Stacey Petersen (Michael), and Marcey Eadson (Mike). The grandchildren (oh so grand and loved so much by their grandfather): Nicole Rodriquez (Edward), Nathan Pacheco, Gabrielle Garcia, Kelcey Petersen, Logan Petersen, Addison Lundy, Garrett Lundy, and Mia Lundy.

James´ siblings Don Chandler, Richard Chandler (Linda) and Susan Mushinskie (Dave) also succeed him as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on February 10 at 1 pm at his home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation at give.michaeljfox.org. Further information can be found at thomasmillermortuary.com.