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Andrew James Obituary
August 27, 1954 - January 5, 2024
Andrew Curtis James, 69, of Hickory, passed away Friday, January 5, 2024, at his residence.
Born on August 27th, 1954, in Wytheville, VA he was the son of the late Margaret Elizabeth Cook and Vance Turner James, Sr.
Survivors include his wife, Sheryl R. James of the home; son, Joshua Levi James (April) of Valdese, NC; daughter, Abbie James Slate of Charleston, SC; daughter Maggie James (Rachael) of Banner Elk, NC; daughter Jessica Gulledge (Bishop) of Matawan, NJ; a brother, Vance James Jr. (Daisy) of Hickory, NC; grandchildren, Elias Smith, Aidan Sanderson, and Charlotte Sanderson; and six grand dogs.
Upon Andrew's father's retirement from the U.S. Navy, the family returned to Hickory in 1958 when his parents founded James Oxygen and Supply Company. He graduated from Hickory High School in 1972 and worked at JO2 for the rest of his life, taking phone calls for the company, even when he was hospitalized.
He was heavily involved in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, supporting his children as Assistant Scout Master. He was also a "Dance Dad" and earned the nickname "Mr. Mom" as his children went through the school system. His voice was always heard above all others from the sidelines, at graduations, and sporting and dance events.
Christmas was Andrew's favorite holiday, resulting in a Snow Village that was exhibited to the public in 2005 and 2010. His remarkable resemblance to Santa earned him another nickname, reinforced by the ever-present twinkle in his eye.
His adventurous spirit led him to Black Mountain Campground where he met Sheryl in the year 2000. Annual vacations to Holden Beach, many years of service to the Hickory Elks Lodge, and supporting the racing industry were very meaningful in his life. Over the last six years, Andrew earned his favorite of his many nicknames, "Grandpop."
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 at the Hickory Elks Lodge at 2 p.m.
Memorials may be made out to Carolina Caring or to the Hickory Elks Lodge.
Bass-Smith Funeral is serving the James family.
Bass-Smith Funeral Home
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Memories and Condolences
for Andrew James
Sponsored by Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory - Hickory.
George Hunt
January 20, 2024
I worked in racing for a number of years and Andrew's and my paths would often cross at various teams. He was well respected by all who knew him.....me included. I am sorry for your loss, he will be very much missed.
Jeffrey Yount
January 15, 2024
I have a lot of fond, fun and funny memories of Andrew when we were growing up together and as young adults.. he always greeted me with a smile and a hug and genuinely wanted to know how I was doing..I know his friends and family will miss him dearly..RIP Andrew..
Jay Tate
January 13, 2024
Wonderful obituary. I was privileged to see the 2010 Christmas village complete with electric trains. Awesomely realistic! His Elks family among many others mourn Andrew´s passing. "To our absent member."
Debra W Lowman
January 9, 2024
I went to school with Andrew. He was a happy person and was always smiling. I had'nt seen him in years but he was a joy to be around when I did see him. Prayers for his family and so sorry for your loss.
Heather Baber-Street
January 7, 2024
Maggie James has tears in her eyes right now, but she will carry on that blue eyed twinkle. I'm so sorry for your family's loss and I'm filled with respect and gratefulness for how you all took care of him at the end.
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