James A. Jim Andrews

FUNERAL SERVICES: 11 AM Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids VISITATION: 4 to 8 PM Monday, July 7, 2008 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids INTERMENT: St. Peters Catholic Cemetery in Park Rapids SURVIVORS: He will be lovingly remembered by his two daughters: Lana (Donald) Walter of Menahga, MN and Laurie (Curtis) Beireis of St. Paul, MN; two granddaughters; 5 great grandsons and one great great grandson his sister, Lorraine Weaver of Park Rapids; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. JAMES A. ANDREWSDecember 7, 1915 " July 5, 2008 James Arthur Andrews, age 92 of Park Rapids, MN, passed away peacefully at the Diamond Willow Assisted Living Center in Park Rapids with his loved ones at his side on Saturday, July 5, 2008 . Jim was born on December 7, 1915, near Ponsford, MN, to William and Augusta (Etlich) Andrews. It was near Ponsford that Jim attended the District #124 Andrews Country School and grew up on his parents' farm. He graduated from the Park Rapids High School with the class of 1934. Following his graduation, he attended Hamline University for a time. Jim gained employment with a federal government survey working throughout Northern Minnesota from July of 1936 until Christmas of 1937. He then returned to help on the family farm. In 1939, Jim ventured to St. Paul where he studied Business at the Nichols Business College. In July of 1939, Jim was called back into government service working on the survey crew until 1940. He then returned to Business College from where he graduated in early 1941. Jim gained employment with the Central Livestock Commission, where he worked in Public Relations and would give the daily market reports over the radio. He then changed companies and worked for the James T. Crosby Commission Co. for a time. On February 5, 1943, Jim was united in marriage to Violet (Val) May in St. Paul, MN. This union was blessed with two daughters: Lana Lee and Laural Lynne. Jim was inducted into the U.S. Navy on October 20, 1943, where he proudly served his country as a SeaBee in the Pacific Theatre of World War II until his honorable discharge on December 12, 1945. After the war, Jim returned to his young family in St. Paul where he gained employment with the J. L. Shiely Company serving as the Personnel-Labor Relations Manager in a career that spanned 35 years. Val preceded Jim in death in October of 1970. On January 28, 1972, Jim was married in Foley, MN, to Lil Vaillancourt. Jim remained with the J. L. Shiely Company until his retirement in June of 1980. He and Lil then moved to Park Rapids where they made their home on a beautiful point overlooking the Fish Hook River. There they enjoyed their retirement years together until Lil died following a valent battle with cancer in December of 1987. Jim has been very active in his community. He has been an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. He was very active n the Park Rapids Lions Club where he was a Past President and chaired numerous committees. He was awarded the "Lion of the Year" Award in 1997. In 2000 Jim received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship from Lions International. Jim was also named the Outstanding Senior Citizen of Hubbard County in 1996. Jim was a lifetime member of the David Englund VFW Post #11008 in Park Rapids, the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 of Park Rapids, and was a lifetime member of the Park Rapids Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters' Association. Jim was also involved with the work of the Friends of Heritage Organization for many years. He was a Sponsor Member of the Ducks Unlimited Organization and was a member of the Mantrap Valley Conservation Club. Hunting and conservation issues were always of utmost importance to Jim. He loved the northwoods; especially when he could be hunting. Like his father before him, Jim spent the autumn months in the deer stand, or flushing pheasants or grouse or in his favorite: duck hunting blind until well up into his late 80"s. Jim took special pride in caring for his beautiful home and yard. Above all, Jim dedicated his life to his family of whom he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his two daughters: Lana (Donald) Walter of Menahga, MN and Laurie (Curtis) Beireis of St. Paul, MN; two granddaughters; 5 great grandsons and one great great grandson his sister, Lorraine Weaver of Park Rapids; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his two wives; four brothers: Edwin, Harold, Gerald and Robert; and three sisters: Bernice (Hans) Miller, Bertha Barr and Lue Messner. Survived by: his two daughters: Lana (Donald) Walter of Menahga, MN and Laurie (Curtis) Beireis of St. Paul, MN; his sister, Lorraine Weaver of Park Rapids. Preceded in Death by: his two wives; four brothers: Edwin, Harold, Gerald and Robert; and three sisters: Bernice (Hans) Miller, Bertha Barr and Lue Messner. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with Rev. Ken Nyhusmoen officiating. The organist will be Roz Pederson. Bill and Jan Lundsten will sing "His Hand In Mine" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand". Fran Gack will sing "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace". The Casketbearers will be: Larry Fick, Lloyd Stigman, Delmar Marquardt, Curt Beireis, Donald Walter, Charlie Weaver and Joshua Pearson . Graveside services will be held at St. Peters Catholic Cemetery in Park Rapids. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM Monday, July 7, 2008 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids.