 West Hill Cemetery Sherman, Texas  James "Jim" Cooper Andrews passed away peacefully on October 4, 2019 with his wife and family at his side at Texoma Medical Center. Jim's passion for life was his family, and through his career, church and civic dedication to the city of Sherman. His passing is difficult for so many - family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances - however, his love for his life-long community will survive us all. Jim was born May 14, 1936 in Sherman, son of Richard and Dorothy Cooper Andrews. He graduated Sherman High School in 1954 and attended North Texas State University. On January 12, 1957 he married the love of his life, Carolyn Fesperman, in Sherman at St. Mary's Church. Jim began his professional career for the city of Sherman enjoying a successful 38 years span in several capacities. As a young man he was first trained in the surveying craft, hired as Assistant Building Official. His career then evolved to roles of leading the Building and Zoning Department, Head of Engineering and Planning, Assistant City Manager and eventually City Manager for 17 years before retiring from the city of Sherman in 2001. In retirement he worked as a real estate agent for Dean Gilbert Realtors, earning Rookie of the Year and honors in the Million Dollar Club. Jim was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, serving as a Lay Minister and as a committee member for the building of St. Anne's Church. He also accumulated countless memories while enjoying his time on Lake Texoma boating and fishing with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 62 years; one daughter, Beth Schnitker and husband, Ron, of Pottsboro; 3 sons, James C. Andrews, Jr. and wife, Claudia, of Lavon; Bill Andrews of Pottsboro; and Jon Andrews and wife, Leisa, of McKinney; 11 grandchildren, Jason Klas and wife, Shea; Jeremy Klas; Joni Klas; Toby Schnitker and wife, Krista; Stephen Wilcox and wife, Katie; Priscilla Andrews; Kyle Andrews and wife, Felisha; Amber Smith; Hannah Andrews; Jennifer Andrews; and Ryan Andrews; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, John Andrews of Sherman and Richard Andrews and wife, Betty, of McKinney; and one sister, Barbara Boykin, of McKinney; several nieces and nephews with one special niece, Wendy Kislingbury, who provided love and care during his illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Joyce Lamb. Although Jim never boasted of his accomplishments, they were many. He served on the Boards of the Boys and Girls Club, Grayson County Builders Association, Choctaw Water District, Sherman's sister city, the Sovereign State of Campeche, Mexico, Citizenship Award from the League of Women Voters, Distinguished Student Award from Sherman ISD, and the President's Award by the Sherman Chamber of Commerce. The Herald Democrat proclaimed Jim Andrews "Mr. Sherman": as they bid him a fond farewell during his retirement ceremonies. His work as a committed civic leader earned him the respect and admiration of many friends, family, local leaders and international cultural dignitaries. A rosary was recited Tuesday evening, October 8, 2019 at Waldo Funeral Home in Sherman. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Parish for the purpose of educational scholarships at St. Mary's School in Sherman. Mass of Christian Burial for James Cooper Andrews was held Wednesday morning, October 9, 2019 at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Sherman. Father Martin Castaneda officiated. Burial followed at West Hill Cemetery with Jason Klas, Jeremy Klas, Kyle Andrews, Ryan Andrews, Justin Whisenant, and Blake Andrews serving as pallbearers. - - - Waldo Funeral Home West Hill Cemetery Elaine Nall Bay ©2019 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |