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James A. Andrews

James A. Andrews

James A. Andrews, 73, entered into Eternal Rest on April 3, 2019 after a lengthy illness. He died at his Dunkirk home with his wife and constant companion at his side.

He was born on January 28, 1946 to Andrew and Jean (Golubski) Andrews.

He graduated from Dunkirk High School and attended SUNY at Buffalo and SUNY at Genesee. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1969, with the rank of Sergeant. He served a tour of duty in An Khe, Vietnam during the Tet offensive, where he had direct contact with Agent Orange, having loaded barrels of it, on and off the planes. At the age of 58, he was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative muscle disease that was a direct result of Agent Orange exposure.

Jim worked for his family business and later became owner of Olde Colony Furniture in Dunkirk. He was a multi-talented man that enjoyed working with his hands on anything from a car engine to a home remodeling project. He was also an accomplished saxophone player and in his early years played in the “Imperials” rock and roll band.

He had a deep love for his family, God and his country. His greatest accomplishment in life was still being able to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. His grandchildren, Jack and Caroline, who affectionately called him “POPS” were a great source of pride to him.

They were the only ones he gave up the remote control to, so they could all watch cartoons, with Octonauts being his favorite.

As his disease progressed, he lost muscle strength, his ability to walk and his independence but he refused to let it take his spirit and love of life. He looked at each new day as a gift. Three years ago, he was diagnosed with metastatic cancer, again attributed to Agent Orange exposure. He bravely fought each battle he faced with the loving care and support of his wife of 35 years, Darlyn (Krzyzanowicz) Andrews.

Jim was predeceased by his parents. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Dr. Amanda (Scott) Benson; grandchildren, Jack and Caroline Benson; sister, Kathleen Andrews; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Sandra Krzyzanowicz and Dennis and Rebecca Krzyzanowicz.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church, American Legion Post No. 62 and the Veterans of Foreign War.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday April 13, at 10 a.m. in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. There will be no prior visitation. Flowers are gratefully declined and memorials may be made to the Dunkirk Lighthouse and Veterans Park, 1 Point Dr. North or the Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 East Chestnut St., Dunkirk. Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.