Geoffrey Alexander ‘Xander’ Chisholm was born July 6, 1992 in Orlando, Florida to his loving parents Jenna and Geoffrey Chisholm. He departed this life on February 10, 2024 in South Dakota at the age of 32.

Tragically, his early death was caused by a drug overdose from an unknown source. He struggled with addiction and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression for half of his life. His values of self-discipline and positivity gave him the strength to ask for help and go through rehabilitation. Xander required structure to manage anxiety, as well as sobriety. He shined brightly when given a step-by-step process. Xander could stay sober for long periods of time, and had been for about three months prior to his death.

However, stress and anxiety are triggers for all of us. What we are here on earth to do does not always come easy to us. Be comforted knowing he is now at peace, and his struggle is at an end.

Xander (also called ‘Xan’ by those closest to him) was a beloved figure in both his family and friend circles. He was renowned for his ability to unite people with his inclusive personality, silly sense of humor and emotional warmth. His energy had the quality of golden sunlight. He was ever an agent of positivity and love. He was an absolute charmer, and so well-liked that it seemed as if he never met a stranger.

Xander’s formative years were spent in Orlando with his immediate and extended family. He had enormous amounts of physical energy and grew up playing in the sunshine, jumping on the trampoline with his best friend Alex, or boogie boarding at the beach. He liked to ride his bike and skateboard around his neighborhood.

That was an integral part of Xan's personality even as he grew into manhood; he liked being on the move all the time. He liked to keep busy and "do stuff". He loved being outdoors, or in company of good friends exploring his world in any way possible. Xander liked to hike and walk the greenbelt of Austin. He enjoyed parks, picnics, going to the lake and window shopping. Any day could be a special occasion for him. He was SO much fun because he retained his childhood sense of play and excitement. If you were in his life, you know that every single day was a new adventure with Xan.

Though he never sot higher education, he loved learning new things. He had ADHD and discovered he learned best one-on-one and by doing what he learned immediately after being taught. He was a quick study of almost anything having to do with your hands. Especially anything domestic or artistic. He was great at cleaning the house, yard-work and cooking.

Being naturally curious, he always had the courage to ask questions and learn. He was not afraid to fail when trying something new. Rather, he was more concerned he might miss an opportunity for a fresh experience. Almost daily, he was turned on to something new and shared his discoveries. In this way, he always had the pulse of current pop culture. People were his greatest teachers- he collected and shared their stories.

Xander’s interests were greatly influenced by his parents’ respective fields and their talents. His mother is a hairstylist and salon owner known for vivid color and avant-garde styles. His father is a prestigious Tattoo Artist and studio owner known for his artistic ability, experience with global tattooing traditions and custom work. These talents showed in Xander in his eye for color, shape and form. He expressed his creativity through his personal style and dress. He sported edgy hair styles and tattoos created by his parents. He was a snappy dresser, always bringing his look togther with at least one signature piece. His sense of style also helped him be great as a Clerk at a high-end Vintage and Resale Store.

Fastidiously well-groomed, we all teased him about the amount of time it took him to get ready. “SERIOUSLY, DUDE? It’s been like TWO HOURS!” His good looks and personality led him to gigs as both a runway and photography model.

Xander moved to Austin in 2017. Never lazy, he was the kind of guy that set out to find a job in the morning and had five to choose from by evening. In this way he became a “Jack of all trades, and Master of none.” He’s worked as a barista, machinist, mental health orderly and at a plant nursury, among others. He loved all animals and was very attuned to dogs. Xander’s largest life goals were to find his true love and have a child. His wish was fulfilled in 2020, when he met Lauren Ryman, his former girlfriend, who survives him. Together they had their beautiful son Jamie Michael Chisholm, now aged 2 years and 3 months.

On his mother’s side, Xander is survived by his mom Jenna Chisholm and stepfather Kevin Gassaway of Leander, TX. Other members of Xander’s extended family in Texas are his older half-brother Ryan Jacobs, stepsister Jenny and husband Zane Hudson, stepbrother Devin and wife Mackenzie Gassaway. His Great Uncle Mike and Candy Hansen, their daughters Lori Hansen and Tammy with husband Eric and Na Beiri.

Xander is also survived by his father Geoffrey Chisholm, stepmother Christa Fields Chisholm and his half siblings Jude, Charlotte and Nora Chisholm. His paternal grandmother, Katherine Mitchell as well as his step-grand parents, Sherry and John Fields; all of Pennsylvania. Xander leaves his Uncle Thomas Chisholm (also a Tattoo Artist and studio owner) and his son Johnny Elvis in Nashville, TN.

Xander’s Floridian family includes his maternal grandparents Jean and Lon Roberts. His Uncle Ben and wife Charisse Roberts, along with their children Andrew Roberts, Paige and Robbie Shepherd and Kayla Roberts. He leaves his Cousin Angela and husband Louis Morales and their children, Cash and Tallulah.

A viewing was held on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home in Leander, TX. In attendance to say their farewells were Xander’s parents and step-father, older brother Ryan with his lady love, step-sister Jenny with her husband Zane. Mother of his child Lauren Rymen. His brother-from-another-mother Olabide Hassan. Sister-from-another-mister, Erika Villaruel. His love, Brittany Fell. Jenna’s besties and Xander’s Honorary ‘Aunties’ - Amy Marden and Sheila Dudley and dear family friend Gary Tabbert.

We are well aware that people with undiagnosed mental health issues often self-medicate with alcohol or street drugs. This is a global issue that requires our attention and compassion. Rather than exclusion or judgement.

Xander is forever in our hearts; his memory will be cherished. He lives within his son, Jamie Michael Chisholm. We release you to the Light, Xander. May you be sheltered in the peace of His eternal love. Good-bye for now. We shall meet you again, God willing.

Xander’s Celebration of Life will be held on July 6th, 2024 in Leander, TX. If you would like an invitation, please say so in a comment. The family thanks you all for your outpouring of love, compassionate words and generous donations. Your gifts allowed the family the closure they required for their healing, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you!

A message from Lauren Ryman, the mother of their son:

"In memory of Xander, his family has established a trust for his son, Jamie. The fund will provide Jamie with essential support for his education, health, and well-being, ensuring that despite the loss of his dad, his opportunities for a bright future remain intact.

All proceeds will be used to help fund a Celebration of Life for Xan and to contribute to a trust for his son Jamie. We will be offering non-personalized t-shirts soon. Please consider visiting the site at a later date to explore the larger range of graphic designs; our primary goal is to shed light and bring awareness. Stay tuned and thank you so much."

Destination Jamie:

https://destinationjamie.squa…

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