History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

In June of 2004, J. T. Fisher Funeral Services opened its heart and doors to the Deep Creek community at 1080 North George Washington Highway, Chesapeake, Virginia 23323. Upon our grand opening, we became the first funeral establishment in the area to incorporate life celebration video tributes into funeral services. In 2007, we became the first funeral establishment in the Hampton Roads area to utilize a Chrysler 300 fleet of cars as rolling stock. In June of 2007, we received an award from Hampton Roads Hoop Dreams for outstanding and dedicated service.

On October 18, 2011, we purchased 2.22 acres of land at 1248 North George Washington Highway, Chesapeake, Virginia 23323, and on January 1, 2012 we moved into our phase one building at this location.

Chapman – J.T. Fisher Funeral Services is a business that follows in the footsteps of a history that is very rich to the Isle of Wight Community. It all began in the year 1937, when the late Richard Pretlow opened the doors of the business, servicing the community in funeral services from its previous Wharf Hill location. It was under his tutelage that the business’ next director, Mr. James B. Chapman, sharpened his interest and technique. In 1963, Mr. Chapman acquired the business, which was to see a transitional move to its current location on West Main Street, and set forth, building relationships and meeting the needs of the local community during their times of loss. He continued in this until his official passing of the torch on September 3, 2017 to Portsmouth, Virginia native, J.T. Fisher, a funeral director who, in Chapman’s own words, checked all of the boxes in character, demeanor, and innovation.

Our Valued Staff

  • J.T. Fisher

    J.T. Fisher President and Manager

    J. T. Fisher is married to Nichol F. Fisher and is the proud father of three daughters, Jasmine T., Jayda T., and Justis T. Fisher. He attended Virginia State University. He obtained an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from John Tyler Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Sciences from Brandman University. He is the President of His Favor Enterprises, which is comprised of J. T. Fisher Funeral Services, Chapman-J. T. Fisher Funeral Services, Seven Cities Cremation Society, Affordable Cremations of Virginia, JTF Limousine Services, and JTF Banquet Facility. He is licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia and North Carolina as a funeral director and embalmer. He is also a pre-need burial insurance agent and a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Virginia. J.T. is a member of The Norfolk Funeral Directors Association and The Tidewater Funeral Directors Association. His other memberships include The Eureka Club, Incorporated, Businesses Supporting Minority Candidates Organization, American Legion Post 190, Moose Lodge 898, and the Lambda Omega and Sigma Kappa Kappa Chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. J. T. is also a member of the Norfolk Chapter of the National Association of Guardsmen and Grove Baptist Church.

  • Nichol F. Fisher

    Nichol F. Fisher Vice President

    Nichol Fisher is licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia and North Carolina as a funeral director and embalmer. She is also a pre-need burial insurance agent and a Notary Public for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Nichol is a proud member of The Norfolk Funeral Directors Association and The Tidewater Funeral Directors Association. Other memberships include The Portsmouth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, The Portsmouth Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, and The Portsmouth Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She is a member of Grove Baptist Church.

  • Yolanda D. White

    Yolanda D. White Office Manager

    Yolanda White graduated from Christopher Newport University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Yolanda was formerly an elementary school teacher and she is an active member of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation – Peninsula chapter. She is a member of Mount Tabor COGIC in Smithfield, Virginia.

  • Richard Cansler

    Richard Cansler Funeral Director Assistant

    Richard Cansler is a retired Chesapeake City Employee. He is currently the Chairman of the Trustees at Fourth Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia.

  • Giovanni Evans

    Giovanni Evans Funeral Director and Embalmer