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JAMES ARCHER Obituary
Jimmy was a self-employed business owner, a trade he learned from his father, Linwood Archer, a blacksmith in the 1920s. Jimmy was employed at Petersburg Ford as a mechanic during the 1930s and 1940s. In 1943, in the midst of WWII, at the age of 23, Jimmy opened Archer's Garage and Grocery, with his wife Mabel in pursuit of a better life for his family. Archer's Garage, Grocery and Towing still operates today, and is the second oldest family business still operating in Chesterfield County. Mr. Archer was a stock car racing fan and owned race cars in the 1940s and 1950s. He loved country music (Johnny Cash) and was an avid farmer. He was still driving his tractor and tending his fields, until this year.
Mr. Archer helped establish Phillips Volunteer Fire Department Company #13, and in his later years, he was active in their senior citizens club. He held his Virginia State Inspection licenses until 2007, making him the oldest state automobile inspector in Virginia, with roughly 70 years of experience. Mr. Archer loved his family, his community and had an unending faith in God, which helped him mentor many friends throughout his life.
He is survived by a son, James Hamilton Archer and wife, Donna G., of Chesterfield; grandsons, James Joseph Archer and wife, Tara, Austin R. Archer, Larry Glasscock and wife, Sheila, Luke Glasscock and wife, Heather; granddaughter, Brooke Dimaio and husband, Chris; and five great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Burial to follow in East Matoaca Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening (tonight) from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to the Ladies Auxiliary of Phillips Fire Department #13, C/O Judy Long, 10630 River Road, South Chesterfield, VA 23803.
Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JAMES ARCHER
Richard Spain
May 18, 2022
He was my uncle my mother's brother I miss him very much I always loved spending time with him and my aunt and my cousin booty
Bonnie Wright
September 26, 2012
Bootie, David and I extend our condolences to you, Donna and the family. We have fond memories of him. He was such a sweet man. I know he was proud of you. He will always be there in spirit! We just learned of his passing as we were out of town. Our heartfelt sympathy to you and the family.
Allen & Pam Harville
September 10, 2012
As you know Mr Archer was a very special person to me, going back to visiting his shop with my father when I was a child. Visiting with him always brought back fond memories of my own father.
I am sorry that I was unable to attend services for Mr. Archer, but I know that he always approved when I was off with the Boy Scouts.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Pam, Allen, and Tyus.
September 8, 2012
Bootie and family, we were sorry to hear that MR. Archer had passed. He was a memorable person in our community. Your family has been a help to us over the years. You are in our prayers. Katie Beck and Larry Watson
Chris,Katina,Kiara & Autumn Bartal
September 8, 2012
We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends during this most difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in each other but especially in Gods promise of a Paradise here on earth under his Kingdom. A government free from sickness and death,and special moments where we'll be reunited with our loved ones. Certainly Good News and a time that we all anxiously await.
Fred &Florence Ekstrom
September 8, 2012
For Iam convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38,39
Ken & Vernell McFarlane
September 8, 2012
You were always there for so many. So many people depended on your never ending work.You were a history book of Chesterfield County.
September 8, 2012
Austin, Bootie, Donna, & the rest of the Archer Family: We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Greg & Cheryl Comstock, Travis & Tyler Ponton
MaryKay Waldron
September 7, 2012
How does someone say goodbye to Poppa Jimmy? Bootie, JJ and Austin my prayers are with you. Poppa my joy is with you now that you are with Mabel Lee again. I am grateful to have you both in heaven watching over me as you both did all my life on Hickory Rd. To have known them was a blessing. All my love MaryK (Walker)
September 7, 2012
To The Archer Family
Mr. Archer was a man who befriended many in the community; our hearts and prayers are with your family.
The Trustee Ministry
Union Branch Baptist Church
Chesterfield, Va.
Michelle Poole Logo & Ivan Logo
September 7, 2012
He will be missed. My folks bought my first car from him and he pulled that same car from a ditch within a year. Our thoughts are with the family.
Sandra Archer
September 7, 2012
Bootie, Donna and family:
So sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. He was a wonderful and caring person. Pickle always thought so highly of him. My prayers will be with all of you.
John Hall
September 7, 2012
A friend to all. Our prayers go out to all the Archers. And especially a prayer of thanksgiving for this life well lived.
Cheryl Clarke Earp
September 7, 2012
My Heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with the family at this time. Mr.Archer will be missed by many. May the Lord give you all the comfort you need at this time and always.
WOODY NEWTON
September 7, 2012
DEAR BOOTIE, AND FAMILY. I,M SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT POP. I CAN SAY THAT HE WAS LIKE A DAD TO ME. THE THINGS HE TAUGHT ME, WOW, I WILL ALWAYS BE BETTER FOR.I COULD NOT HAVE WORKED FOR A BETTER PERSON . YOU HAVE THE CONDOLENCES FROM MY FAMILY.MAY HE BE WITH GOD AND HIS WIFE IN HEAVEN,AND TO KNOW ONE DAY WE WILL MEET AGAIN . POP, I LOVE YOU,AND WILL MISS YOU TIL THEN.
Amber Richardson
September 7, 2012
Bootie & Donna,
Im sorry to hear of Mr. Archer passing. May God be with your family during this time and always.
Dale Wolfrey Alter
September 7, 2012
Mr. Archer, I thank you for all the help that you gave me in the past when I needed it (car problems)...You were the kindest person and always had time to help others...I remember as a lil girl, my Dad knew you and I went with my Dad to your Garage many times...Heaven has truly received a great man indeed and it was my honor to have known you....My deepest condolences to the Family and know that you will be with him again....God Bless you all !
September 7, 2012
Another great Chesterfield County Icon has left us. He will be missed by so many . He always helpep people when he did work on their cars ; He was always honest to all walks of life.
Jery & Mark Powell Woodpecker Rd Chesterfield
Ronnie and Carol Crockett
September 7, 2012
We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Archer. He was always so kind and helpful to us. We will be praying for all of you.
Ronnie & Carol Crockett
September 7, 2012
We are very sorry to hear about Mr. Archer. He was always so kind and helpful to us. Our prayers will be with all of you in these difficult days.
Janett Boyce
September 7, 2012
So sorry to learn of Mr. Archer's passing. Lots of good memories will remain.
Carolyn Andrews Wilkerson
September 6, 2012
I have very, very fond memories as a little girl of visiting Archer's and Mr. Archer. He'd always slip my brothers and I a little extra candy in our little bags. I can still see him standing behind that counter with his soft smile and gentle ways. My husband enjoyed talking with him when he had the former garage and his faithful cat. He will truly be missed, but oh how wonderful that he was given 92 years with us all. Our prayers of comfort are with the family. Sincerely, Carolyn Andrews Wilkerson and Jerry Wilkerson
Eva Newton
September 6, 2012
pop you will be missed so much.I know when I come to the store I wont hear your voice 'Theres my girl'you will be missed i love you with all my heart pop .my prayers are with the entire family
Harrison & Nancy Poole
September 6, 2012
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Archer and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mr. Archer was a good and honest man and he helped the folks in our community.He will be missed ! Please call if there is anything we can do for you.Our deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Harrison & Nancy Poole
Ricky Poole
September 6, 2012
Prayers go out to Bootie, Donna and grandchildren. RIP Mr. Archer, you will bemissed.
Vickie Jacobs
September 6, 2012
Archer will be surely missed there are some many of us that can say he has pulled us out of some sticky situation. I know I can because he safe me from a ticket but never let me forget it cause every time her saw me he asked me was I keeping it between the ditches and my response to that was have you pulled me out lately. love always and miss you bunches
Vickie Tingen Jacobs and the whole Tingen family
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E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory - Colonial Heights2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834
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