James Archer

James Madison "Jimmy" Archer, 92, of Chesterfield, passed away Wednesday, September 5, 2012 after a brief period of Illness. He was born in Chesterfield County on May 23, 1920 to the late Linwood Hamilton Archer and Annie Rowlett Archer. Mr. Archer was preceded in death by his loving wife of sixty six years, Mabel Lee Archer; a daughter in-law Kathy Archer, and a sister Louise Spain. Jimmy was a self-employed business owner, a trade he learned from his father Linwood Archer a Blacksmith in the 1920's. Jimmy was employed at Petersburg Ford as a mechanic during the 1930's and 1940's. 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 1940's and 1950's. 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 seventy 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 held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 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 from 6-8:00 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