John Chambers, Famous Local Cattle Auctioneer, Dies at 82

John D. Chambers, 82, a horseman from birth and later an auctioneer at the family’s cattle and horse auction, D.R. Chambers & Sons, rising to president, died in Tucson, Ariz., on Feb 17, 2019.

He was born on Jan. 30, 1937. in Walton, the son of David R. and Mary (Little) Chambers.

John graduated from Unadilla Central School in 1955 and earned his degree from Albany Business College in 1957. Later that year, he traveled by train to Decatur, Ind., to attend Reppert Auction School.

He liked to tell how he graduated on a Friday and was auctioneering at the family’s business next day.

He married Charlyn Reinfurt in 1957.

He was described by his friends as “the toughest cowboy” they knew. But John was most proud of his horseman skills. You could say that John Chambers was born into the horse industry.

His father, David R. Chambers, bought the Unadilla livestock auction in 1937, the year he was born. His mother would tell stories of a 3-year-old John lassoing furniture and interrupting her multiple times a day to go out and bridle his pony, Pet, for him to ride.

His early years involved the breeding and training of trotters and pacers. He also became a skilled harness horse driver. He liked the competition and speed of gymkhana events at horse shows, filling his home with trophies and ribbons. He developed a love for all aspects of polo from it’s potential to turn a profit on his highly trained horses to the thrilling action on the playing field.

In recent years, his sport of choice was team penning, which embodied both his horse and cattle skills. He embraced it with a passion, competing successfully not only on the East Coast, but also in the West when he wintered in Arizona.

Happiest on a horse, he also loved to trail ride with his friends, which he did as recently as this fall. During the months of September and October, he established a tradition of Sunday morning trail rides, from his farm to the Unadilla Rod and Gun Club for breakfast. This popular event has grown to have as many as 60 riders.

John was predeceased by his parents.

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