M. Andrew "Andy" James

Mr. M. Andrew "Andy" James, son of the late Richard and Suzanne James was born April 14, 1938, in Galloway Township, New Jersey.  He entered into eternal rest on March 23, 2016 after an extended illness. Mr. James was fondly known as "Andy" to family and friends.  His life was guided by his faith and belief that works must accompany faith.  He served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and Assistant Treasurer at St. John Baptist Church for many years.  Later, he joined Camden Second Presbyterian Church where he was ordained as an Elder. Andy attended the public schools of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey.  He received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Glassboro State College, and a Masters degree in Administration and Guidance Counseling from Trenton State College.  He did additional graduate studies at Boston University, the University of South Carolina and Winthrop University. Andy began his educational career as a fifth grade teacher in the New Jersey Public School system where he later taught mathematics at the junior high school level and also served as guidance counselor and football coach. In 1976, Andy moved his family to Camden, South Carolina to be near his wife's family.  He became employed with the Kershaw County Public School System serving as a teacher.  He later became Principal at Camden Elementary School and served in that position for fourteen years.  He retired as principal of Pine Tree Hill Elementary School in 1999.  After retiring, Andy served as Guidance Counselor at the Continuous Learning Center.  He also tutored, served as a mentor and advocate for boys and girls of Kershaw County.  He provided opportunities to each and every child whose life he touched.  In this endeavor, he made lasting relationships with students as well as parents.  In 1999, he was elected to the Kershaw County School Board and served for twelve consecutive years, retiring in 2011. Andy was known for his enegetic nature and his desire to be involved in civic, political, and community activities.  He was a life member of the SCEA, NEA and the Kershaw County Branch of the NAACP.  He served with the Kershaw County Democratic Party, Kershaw County Human Relations Commission, the Alpha Center and was elected to the Cassatt Water Board and served for 16 years. Andy received outstanding care from his wife along with several dedicated caregivers; Albert Lee, James Kelly, Allean Spellman, Isa Woods, Martha Halley, Willene Senior, Charley McCray, and the Kershaw County Hospice staff.  The family deeply appreciates their care, compassion and concern during his illness. Andy was predeceased by three brothers; Albert, Stanley and Harold and one sister, Sandra. Those left to cherish his fond memories include his loving and dedicated wife, Daisy, of fifty years, daughter Tanya (Bilal) Wilson of Charlotte, NC, two sons, Jonathan (Tonya) James of Carey, NC and Theron (Tamara) James of Los Angeles, CA; his sister Murdis Williams of Jacksonville, FL and Lois James of Egg Harbor, NJ, and his brothers Richard James of Egg Harbor, NJ, Lawrence (Edna) James of Newark, NJ, and William (Rudine) James of Jacksonville, FL; Lynn Brown (whom Andy felt like she was a daughter) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; five grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.