JAMES EDWARD ANDREWS

It is with great sadness that the family of James Edward Andrews, 84, of Fort Frances, Ont., announces his passing on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at his residence.
James was born Wednesday, July 25, 1928 in Denver, Colo. to the late Thomas and Marguerite Andrew.
During his childhood, he attended St. Joseph’s School in Denver. He later joined the U.S. Navy and served there for two years.
He received the GI Bill from the Navy, which enabled him to further his education. He attended college and receive his M.A. and B.A.
His first teaching job was in Hastings, Neb., and also taught in other schools and states throughout the country. He taught industrial arts in Rangley, Colo., where his students won the state and national award for their work.
He also assembled three-four small engines that he built from scratch that run. He also made and assembled castings.
Always interested in flying, James took lessons and received his pilot’s licence flying in a little Cub. He then assisted in setting up a flying school in Rangley.
He held many different flying jobs over the years and he spoke many times about his experiences while flying in oilmen when he was working in Vernal, Utah. He wrote and published a book on this part of his life.
He landed a job at flying school at Gateway Technical Centre in Kenosha, Wis., where he taught for 14 years. This was when he met his wife, Janice.
He brought two students up to International Falls, Mn. for training. He came over to Fort Frances, where he had been many years earlier. He flew back from International Falls to Rangley, but had fallen in love with the beauty of Rainy Lake.
James and Janice were united in marriage on Dec. 30, 1983. They moved to Kenosha for six months and then returned to International Falls in the summer of 1984.
In 1987, they bought a house south of Devlin, Ont., where they spent many happy years. James had many interests; riding his motorcycle, woodworking and metal working, writing poetry, and playing the piano and accordion.
Unfortunately, while working in his shop, he lost part of three fingers on his left hand and was unable to play an instrument after that.
Along with Janice, they spent many summers riding the motorcycle across the U.S., covering many states: Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and Iowa.
James had a special love for the Black Hills and went there every year, and had many memories of these trips. He spent many happy hours working in his shop until their lives changed drastically after he had a stroke in January, 2007.
He spent many months in rehabilitation. He worked very hard and later was able to walk with a cane. They still went on their summer treks to the Black Hills, but now they travelled by car with Janice doing the driving.
He always looked forward to these trips from year to year. Their last trip was in the summer of 2012.
James is survived by his wife, Janice, and stepsons, Rick (Kathy), Paul, and Ivan; nephews, Tom (Renae) and David (Ann); and niece, Brenda (Jerry); as well as great-nieces and nephews.
He was especially proud of his great-nephew, Jason, who is a pilot and training to fly Lear jets.
He was predeceased by his parents; one sister; and aunts and uncles.
A celebration of James’ life was held Monday, July 22, 2013 at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances. Elder Dan Tausendfrende officiated, followed by interment in Boxalder Cemtery.
The honourary pallbearers were Rick Lafond, Paul Lafond, Ivan Lafond, Jason McGowan, and Marvin McGill.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com