James V "Jim" Andrews Jr

James V. "Jim" Andrews, Jr., 81, retired sales representative for Aurora Casket Company and long-time resident of Madison, died Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Alive Hospice on the Skyline Madison Campus. A native of the White House Community in Sumner County, he was the son of the late James V. Andrews, Sr. and Martha Carver Andrews. Following graduation from White House High School, he entered the U. S. Army during the Korean War. After completing military service, he began his career of association with funeral service in the office of National Casket Company in Nashville prior to traveling as a sales representative for the company in Middle Tennessee. Later, he established, owned, and operated Colonial Casket Company for several years. On January 1, 1965 he was offered a position with Aurora Casket Company of Aurora, Indiana. He represented the company in East, Middle, and West Tennessee and in a large territory in Kentucky until his retirement February 1, 2002. During this period, he served two terms as President of the Tennessee Funeral Supply Sales Club and as Exhibit Chairman for several conventions of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association. His enthusiasm for life, ever-present smile, and dedication to his work made him beloved by his customers. His integrity, high ethical standards, fair dealing, and loyalty to all with whom he dealt were a model for his chosen profession. Mr. Andrews was a long-time, faithful member and former Deacon of Madison Church of Christ and was involved in numerous activities and benevolent work of the church. In recent years he had placed his membership with Goodlettsville Church of Christ. He was a 33rd Degree Mason and member of Al Menah Shrine Temple. A private pilot for many years, he was also a member of the "Flying Fezzes," and gave his time flying patients to and from Shrine Hospital locations. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed riding his Honda motorcycle with other cycling enthusiasts. Survivors include his wife, Sonia Cole Andrews, whom he married September 25, 1954; daughter, Angela Andrews Wright; grandsons, James Andrew and Justin Lee; beloved nephew, John E. Brown; several other special nieces and nephews. Active pallbearers are James Cole, James Andrew Wright, Johnny Hurt, Kerry Baggett, Tom Parsons, Ellis Galyon, Aubrey Gregory, and Kenneth Rice. Honorary pallbearers include Aurora Casket Company associates, and members of the Tennessee Funeral Directors Association and Tennessee Funeral Supply Sales Club. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in Bixler Chapel of Madison Church of Christ with William F. "Bill" Ruhl officiating. Burial will follow in Warren-Brinkley Cemetery in White House. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Bixler Chapel. Notes of sympathy may be sent to oakesandnichols.com. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements.