James (Andy) Dale Andersen

James (Andy or Jim) Andersen was born on September 8, 1931 in San Diego, CA, to James Julius and Lilian Andersen. He grew up in San Diego, CA, where his family ran a sod farm. He attended La Jolla High School. Jim had two siblings, Robert (Bobby) Andersen and William (Billy) Andersen. Jim is survived by his five children: Lynette Andersen (Mark Tillack), Sherita (Kevin) Normington, Richard (Pamela) Andersen, Karen (Wayne) Lattin, and Duane Andersen; sibling: Robert Andersen; grandchildren: Brandon (Khayla) Andersen, Patrick (Michelle) Andersen, April (Pat) Reynolds and Ethan Lattin and two great-grandchildren: Makena Andersen and Oliver Andersen. Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Romona; parents, Jim and Lillian; one sibling, Bill Andersen; daughter, Catherine; and his grandson, Matthew Andersen.

Andy and Romona were married on May 29, 1954 in Topeka, KS and remained married for 62-1/2 years until Romona passed away on February 21, 2016. In 1972, just before Andy's retirement from the U.S. Air Force, they settled in Carmichael, CA, where they finished raising their five children. They were both proud that all of their children have gone on to be independent, productive members of society.

Andy had a distinguished and meritorious career in the U.S. Air Force from July 1950 to March 1, 1973, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant, the second highest rank attainable by an enlisted serviceman. He received numerous awards and commendations, but was most proud of his Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters. After his retirement from the Air Force, he became a bus driver for Sacramento's Regional Transit public transit system. He retired in 1987.

Andy loved gardening and had a large garden in his back yard that would be the envy of any gardener. He also enjoyed bowling, going to the harness races at Cal-Expo, traveling, gold panning, history and attending local high school sporting events. He was a proud member of the Town & Country Chapter of The Veterans of Foreign Wars and a life-time member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. He was also very proud to be a lifetime blood donor, having donated over 200 pints of blood, including plasma, over his lifetime.

But for all of us left behind, what we will remember him for most and what he would like to be remembered for most, was his sense of humor. Andy always had a joke or funny story, or several, at the ready and never had a conversation without telling a joke or story to make you laugh. We are sure he is still making people laugh on the other side and his sense of humor will be missed on this side. May he rest in peace and laughter.