Andrew Carnell James, Sr.

Life's Journey

On Saturday, April 29, 1961, Willie Pearl Stevens and J.L. James Sr. announced the birth of their baby boy, Andrew Carnell James, who was born at home in Van Vleck, TX.  Andrew grew up and excelled in sports.  He attended Van Vleck High School where he met his high school girlfriend, Judy Colbert.  In 1980, Andrew graduated from Van Vleck High School where he was a member of the football team.  Following graduation, he married the love of his life, Judy Colbert-James on Friday, November 20, 1981. The couple relocated to Dickinson, TX to start their life together as husband and wife. They shared 43 years of marriage.

Andrew worked as a machinist in the factory for most of his career until undergoing health challenges.  Outside of work, Andrew loved spending time with his family.  In later years, he really enjoyed and looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren. Andrew was also a pit-master who could bar-b-que ribs, briskets, chicken or mostly anything.  His passion for sports continued throughout life. He was a tireless Dallas Cowboy fan, and he also liked watching and cheering for the Houston Astros. 

Andrew Carnell James, Sr. went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, December 24, 2024. He will be remembered as a man who loved God and spent time reading his bible.  He was a friendly man who will be missed by many including his wife, Judy Colbert-James of Dickinson, TX; his children: Andrew C. (April) James Jr. of Baytown, TX, Jessie (Gloria Alejandra) James and Samantha (Robert) Mayes both of Dickinson, TX, Angela (Sherman) Raleigh of La Marque, TX, and Jamie (Clarence) Davis of Dickinson, TX; siblings: Freddie James and Carlton James Sr. both of Bay City, TX and Lola James of Dallas, TX; his sixteen grandchildren who loved their papa: Daniel Rojas, Monica Stevenson, Robbie Mayes, Kiara Campbell, Anthony Campbell, Alayah Raleigh, Tristan Raleigh, Winter James, Dallas James, Autun James, Joshua James, Kaiden James, Leah James, Maya Davis, Cobi James, and Chloe James along with a host of nieces, nephews, family members, friends, and loved ones.

Andrew was preceded in death by his father, J.L. James Sr; mother, Willie Pearl; brother J.L. Jr.; and sisters, Ernestine Murray, Tiny James, and Edith Johnson.

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