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Andrew James Obituary
Andy was born on December 6, 1942 to the late Andrew James Sr. and Josephine Brown James. He is survived by his soulmate and wife of 52 years, Roberta; son Jeff and his wife Jennifer; daughter Haley and her husband Chris; son Josh; sister Brownie Bartley and her husband Ted; and five grandchildren whom he adored, Emili, Ashlen, Charlie, Ella, and Brady.
Andy was a member of the Gloucester High School Class of 1961. He was voted "Best All Around" and enjoyed monthly dinners with his classmates throughout his adult life. Andy furthered his education at Randolph-Macon and Louisburg colleges. He was the President of JC Brown Oil Company for over 40 years.
Andy devoted his life to serving his community. He was Chief of the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad for 28 years. He will always be remembered as "Chief One" and a role model for many younger firefighters and EMT's. He was a lifelong member of Singleton United Methodist Church and was active in the United Methodist Men's Club, where he could often be found planning the next fish fry. Andy served in the Coast Guard Reserves and coached and officiated at Gloucester Youth Baseball for many years. He was a board member of Suntrust Bank for over 20 years and was recently named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Gloucester Rotary Club. Andy was proud to represent the Ware district on the Board of Supervisors for eight years. He loved Gloucester County and believed that it was "the land of the life worth living."
Andy's love of the outdoors was evident as he enjoyed a lifetime of fishing, hunting, and clamming. He operated Big Daddy Charters out of Mathews and Rudee Inlet and was a past member of the Top Knot Hunt Club. He also enjoyed golf and weekly Tuesday breakfast with his buddies.
Andy's greatest joys were the love of his life, Roberta and his family. He loved big family meals, being "Big Daddy" to his grandchildren, and was a fixture at Gloucester High School football, baseball, and field hockey games. Andy was a mentor to many and a friend to all.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald Haggerty and his staff for their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue (PO Box 1417 Gloucester, Va. 23061), Singleton United Methodist Church ( PO Box 27 Schley, Va. 23154 ), or to your local food bank.
Graveside services will be private. Due to the COVID 19 virus pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Andrews Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Andrew James
Sponsored by Andrews Funeral Home - Gloucester.
Trudy Tappan
May 7, 2020
As a child, I often visited with Andy and Roberta. Once I bite Andy right through his leather jacket. He was not upset and laughed it off. Andy was nice to everyone, a kind soul with a wonderful personality.
Susan Haywood-Jenkins
April 30, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Lowell G. Evans
Lowell Evans
April 30, 2020
Andy James was always a "Good Man." I lived in Ware Neck and I am the youngest child of the late Warner and Ellen (Sweetheart) Evans. What I admired the most was that "We all respected each other." We put God first and family was right there too. God Bless Andy James, it was a pleasure knowing him and his family all these years. May he rest in peace and may the family know that he is in a better place. Blessings, Lowell G. Evans
Mark Ottarson
April 28, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Bob Fraser
April 28, 2020
We were so sorry to learn of Andys passing. During his life he served so many in so very many waystruly a wonderful example for all. We send our thoughts and sympathy to all of the family at this sad time. Bob and Ruth Fraser
Jo Ann Horsley
April 27, 2020
Roberta and family, Brownie and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Andy was a good man and did so much for Gloucester County. He will be missed.
Butch and Jo Ann Horsley
BRENT Williams
April 26, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all.
Bruce & Janet South
April 26, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful, selfless, thoughtful, considerate, and a real Christian respectable gentleman. He gave a lot to his Community, Church,and especially his beloved family. May God be with his spouse and family during this time. He was a man of honor and integrity.
Bruce Moore
April 26, 2020
Please know that Andy touched many lives. Andy came to Botetout school when I was in the 4th grade and spoke to us, he later took the class to the station. This has always stayed with me. I am now 48 years old, Andy was a great man and will be missed.Bruce Moore and family
Jill&Larry Wilkinson
April 26, 2020
Andy was a wonderful family man and a leader in the community. He will be missed. Condolences to his wonderful family. Andy was so proud of you!
Steve and Araksy Hogge
April 26, 2020
We are very sorry to hear about Andys passing. May our Lord comfort you in these times. Andy was truly a man of honor and integrity. He was a perfect example for all to model after. ❤
April 26, 2020
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Pam Hal
Richard Kelley Parkes
April 26, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your great loss. May God continue to watch over you as He always does.
Hervie Riviere
April 25, 2020
He was a big man with a big heart and he never met a stranger. I will sorely miss our conversations. To the family please accept my deepest sympathies.
Bill Miller
April 25, 2020
To a great man and excellent fire chief.you will be missed my friend. You will always be Chief One, in my book.
April 25, 2020
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
Jeff and Karen Currence
April 25, 2020
Rest in peace "Chief One" , Mr. James.
I am honored to of known you.
From a one time Gloucester Volunteer Firemen and now Retired AirForce Veteran - Jeff and Karen Currence and Sons. Elkins, WV
Robert SEAFORD JR
April 25, 2020
I never got to talk to Andy. When I was a member of the Abingdon Vol. Fire Dept. in the 1980s I would have the pleasure to observe his leadership in action. I was very impressed with Chief #1. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Gloucester has lost a great man, but he will never be forgotten.
April 25, 2020
Fair winds Coastie, Rip.
Susan Haywood-Jenkins
April 25, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 25, 2020
Roberta, Brownie and families...Our hearts hurt for your loss. It is our loss as well. Andy always had a kind word and we all will miss him and his smile. He was such a kind person. Love to you all.
Larry and Linda Makowski
Darrell, Crystal, and Ashley Warren
April 25, 2020
Andy will be missed by us all and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jackie James
April 25, 2020
My sincere sympathy to the family. I will remember Mr. James and his kind and friendly nature. Gloucester County will miss him!
Marsha & Bruce West
April 25, 2020
Dear Roberta, Haley, & all of the family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you in your loss of such a special man. Andy will always be remembered as such a kind and thoughtful man who was loved and respected by all who met him. May he live forever in the beautiful memories he has left in your hearts, and may it give you comfort to know he is now at rest and peace in heavens hands, until you meet again. God has taken away all sickness and set him free.
God comfort you and give you peace.
Hugs,
Kelly Dalton
April 24, 2020
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for your tremendous loss. There are some men who will always be remembered for having the kind of honor and dignity others should emulate. Mr. James is one.
Bonnie Short
April 24, 2020
Hi Roberta, Thinking if you and your family at this time. Andy was a special person loved by all and we will miss him. He had the greatest smile. Sending you prayers of peace and love.
Bonnie & Gil Short
April 24, 2020
Roberta and Family: Please accept our most sincere condolences over Andy's passing. He was a friend from our start in Gloucester over forty years ago. I had the pleasure of teaching Jeff, Haley, & Josh in high school. Summing up our feelings, I leave you with this Quote
Remembrance
Though your smile is gone forever, and your hand I cannot touch;
I still have memories of the one I loved so much.
Your memory is my keepsake, with which I'll never part.
God has you in His keeping; I have you in my heart.'
Betty & Turnley Todd Gloucester, VA
Sadly missed but not forgotten .RIP Andy
Deirdre
April 24, 2020
Roberta ,Brownie and families hugs and prayers to you all.
Debbie
April 24, 2020
My condolences and prayers to Andys family and friends. He was a good man who served his community well. He will be sorely missed by all.!
Faye Heatwole
April 24, 2020
May God bless the family during this time of sorrow. Andy was a wonderful person and he will certainly be missed. May he rest in peace.
Joy Leigh Klein
April 24, 2020
My heart goes out to the family and loved one. He will be ever in their hearts.
Herman Sears
April 24, 2020
Love & prayers
Grace T. Rowe
April 24, 2020
My thoughts & prayers go out to the entire James Family, Andy was a very special person even in High School, a friend to all, so civic minded, such a wonderful asset to our county. R.I.P. you have well earned your reward .
Gene and Ann Smith
April 24, 2020
Roberta, we are so very sorry. Our love and prayers go out to you and your family. Andy will be missed by all who knew him.
April 24, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Harry and Glenda McFarland
Pam & Lincoln Strickland
April 24, 2020
Roberta and family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you through the hard times.
Janice and Steve Algie
April 24, 2020
Our prayers are with Roberta and family and Brownie and family. Andy was a friend to all and we will miss his smile, laugh and how he made all feel welcomed. God bless him.
Beulah Colon
April 24, 2020
Andy was a wonderful man and loved by everyone who knew him. He was a classmate and a member of the Gloucester High School Class of 1961. He was always there for anyone who needed a hand. Will miss you my dear friend and all the wonderful get together with the Class of 61.
Pat & Gene Sutton
April 24, 2020
Roberta and family...Andy was a true friend to all and never met a stranger in his life. He gave so much to his community through giving of his time and talents. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time.
Sabina and Warren Newton
April 24, 2020
Andy was a wonderful man and role model to many young and old in our community. Warren and I are blessed to have considered him our friend and we will miss him. We send prayers to his family and our love.
Love Warren and Sabina Newton
Jean Soberick
April 24, 2020
Roberta, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending love, Mike and Jean
Bonnie Smith
April 24, 2020
Roberta, Jeff (Jennifer) Haley (Chris) and Josh... Donnie and I wanted you to know you are in out thoughts. Andy was one of few that could keep Donnie in line. Donnie thought alot of Andy. Knowing how much he loved my Almond Raspberry Cake fills my heart with so many memories. Till We meet again. Love Always Donnie and Bonnie Smith
The Marr Family
April 24, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of all of your family during this challenging time. Please be comforted by the fact he has left a remarkable legacy through his wife, children and grandchildren... All our thoughts and prayers and so many hugs.
David and Bonnie Hamilton
April 24, 2020
Roberta and family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Chief Andy will surely be missed by all. Heaven has gained a one of a kind angel. Much love to you all.
Denise Carter
April 24, 2020
Hugs to Roberta, Jeff, Haley, Josh and the kids. He was such a presence, always so supportive and cared about everyone. Miss him already. Rest in peace, you certainly earned it, life well lived. Thanks for all you have done for us. We will always remember you fondly.
Tina Lester
April 24, 2020
Our family was blessed to know this man. Within the first second of meeting him, we knew instantly what a special person he was!! He was one of the most wonderful men God ever created. He will be missed by anyone who knew him! Prayers and hugs to the family and friends of Big Daddy! He will never be forgotten!
Frank west
April 24, 2020
Andy was a wonderful man. He will be missed. Ive known him as long as I can remember. He always had a smile. Rest In Peace my friend.
Kyle Fisher
April 24, 2020
Miss you lots Andy. Hope to see you across the bar. Thanks for all of your help and guidance, more than I could ever say.
Kris tina Chapman Craig
April 24, 2020
It is a precious gift from God when you have a husband, father, and big daddy that guides and directs his family and community in a Godly way. Peace and comfort to all of you.
Lind odham
April 24, 2020
Rip Andy, I loved waiting on you when you came to Suttons restaurant. You where a southern gentleman for sure. Im praying for all the family
Jim and Eva Towell
April 24, 2020
Andy was a "forever friend" and we are proud to say he will always be ours. He gave so much to his Church, his Community and to his Family and Friends, you often wondered how he had any time for himself.
We sure hope God gives him a little time to fish and coach sports before putting him to work in heaven. We'll check you later buddy.
Peggy Douglas
April 24, 2020
Prayers for all who loved him. I know he will be missed by many. May all the memories of him be eternal. God bless each of you as you face the future.
Sincerely,
Peggy Douglas
Hayes, Va
Garrey Curry
April 24, 2020
I will hold on to my fond memories of Andy and know that I am a better person having known and worked with him. My best to Roberta and the family.
Sarah Fary
April 24, 2020
Prayers for Roberta and Family!
Christian Rilee
April 24, 2020
We have lost a great man. He would give you the shirt off his back. A true friend for many years. I'm glad he isn't suffering anymore.
Buddy and Mary Rilee
Michael Kelly
April 24, 2020
RIP CHIEF, you have brought many fond memories for so many people. You were a blessing to us all.
Susan Smith
April 24, 2020
Well done good and faithful servant. God bless. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne Sullivan
April 24, 2020
Sending my love to all of you. Andy will be with all of us in spirit and in heart always.
Joseph Lenderman
April 24, 2020
He made this come here feel like a always been here. A great man leaving a hole in the community that no one person can fill.
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