James Alvin Andrews' Obituary
The Man from Milton-Freewater
The America that welcomed James Alvin on December 5, 1938 was a country of hope and patriotism. Despite two recessionary years of economic downturn, the New Deal promise of Relief, Recovery and Reform was taking hold. Kate Smith had just sung God Bless America for the first time on her radio show on the eve of Armistice Day. James arrived in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, in time to celebrate a happy Christmas with his new family.
James was raised alongside his brother and sister in a strict environment where priority was placed on religion, family values and hard work. He came by his strong work ethic honestly; he was expected to work in the garden and milk the cow as part of his daily chores.
Strong and Handsome and Naturally Charming
A move to Tacoma and a routine walk in Wapato Park set the path for the balance of his life. He was fourteen years old and happened to stroll past a couple of pretty teenage girls sitting on the grass. Wise-cracking Janet could not resist a humorous comment about his low-waist blue jeans. For anyone else, that exchange might have ended with a black eye. For Jim and Janet, it led to an afternoon of fun and the beginning of a four-year courtship.
Jim attended Stewart Middle School, where Janet was a student. Jim was a charmer; a handsome, strong lad with a great sense of humor. He was a natural ladies’ man, but only had eyes for Janet. The sentiment was mutual: they married in 1957 when they were both just eighteen years old. They forged a romantic bond that would endure for fifty-six years of marriage.
The Call of the Sea
Coming of age for Jim also meant joining the military. The four years that Jim served in the US Navy were a source of extreme pride as he served aboard the USS St. Paul, USS Collett and USS O’Brien. Jim’s mechanical skills were honed during those years working in the engine rooms of the heavy cruisers. He took a short leave of absence to come home for his own wedding.
Back at sea, Jim heard the news of the birth of his first child through a telegram. He had been certain the baby would be a girl; he named her Vaneesa. He was just as proud when his sons Jim and Tod followed.
After leaving the military, Jim applied his plumbing and mechanical trade with a few companies – St. Paul and Tacoma lumber yard, the Madigan hospital and a Texaco service station – until he found his perfect job working at the Shipyards. Jim, also nicknamed Andy, was devoted to his career. With his technical abilities and strong work ethic, he progressed from an entry-level boilermaker to a Foreman. His passion for everything to do with ships stayed with him his entire life.
Her Elvis
Jim may have been a workaholic, but he always made time for his family. He loved Janet with a deep passion and respect; he was devoted to her happiness. Whatever made her happy delighted him. He spent many enjoyable nights playing cards with friends. Jim and Janet were regulars at the New Yorker Night Club, dancing away the weekend evenings. They could also be spotted on the dance floor at the Eagles and Elks Clubs in Tacoma participating in community events. They particularly enjoyed the music of Elvis Presley. With Jim’s easy-going, extrovert personality, his love of dancing and his long sideburns in the 60s, Janet had found her own idol.
Together, Jim and Janet spent many memorable vacations traveling. At first, they would take the family camping as often as possible. They usually headed to Pinrose State Park, sometimes with his sister and her family, and set up the huge army tent. Or Jim would take his boat and take his sons fishing out on the Bay. They moved up to a trailer and eventually to a motor home, stopping regularly at Ocean Shore and enjoying visits to the Grand Canyon, Canada and California. On their many trips to California to visit Jim’s sister, Janet would bring along her handcrafted miniature doll house accessories to sell at Arts and Crafts Fairs along the way.
Trick Trucks and Other Pastimes
Jim loved cars almost as much as he loved ships. When he was first married, he strutted his 1953 Lincoln Continental. He later drove a Ford for many years. But his real prize was the truck he inherited from his father. He lovingly rebuilt and restored the Ford, and tricked it out to the point of trophy-worthiness at major car shows.
Comfort and Joy
Wherever they happened to find themselves at meal time, Jim could always count on enjoying his food. He was a real meat-and-potatoes man, and he relished every last morsel of Janet’s cooking. He savored comfort foot and rejoiced in turkey on special occasions. For a nice break and a treat for everyone, his top choices were the Clover Leaf for pizza, or the Hong Kong Restaurant for Chinese food. And of course, he could be counted on to fix pancakes for Amanda at the drop of a post-it note she would have taped to his forehead, so at the opening of his eyes after an evening of sleep it was a request he would first see in the morning.
Even after Jim retired from his job at the Shipyards, his workaholic ways kept him going strong. He took on another job as a pipefitter for Pacific Ship and thrived in the work until his doctor ordered him to stop working. He made many friends during those PacShip days, and maintained close ties through their daily coffee get together at the McDonalds on 6th Street.
In The Garden
Music was always a big part of Jim’s life. Whether cutting a rug with Janet or following Janet’s sister as she performed in a country and western band – a band with which Amanda now sings – there was always a sound track to their laughter and enjoyment. Given Jim and Janet’s love of Elvis’ music, it was a fitting gesture to invite Danny Vernon, a top Presley impersonator, to perform at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration.
Of all Elvis’ songs, Jim had a real favorite: In The Garden. As we say goodbye to Jim, this song becomes a tribute to him and to “the joy we shared”. Between the strains of this beloved hymn, draped in his country’s flag and receiving his well earned military honors, Jim would have liked to know how proud he had made his family.
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