James Gordon Andrew, affectionately known as "Jim" to family and friends, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on June 13, 2026, at the age of 86.

Born on January 6, 1940, in Neenah, Wisconsin, Jim was the son of Alexander Andrew and Dorcas Page Andrew. He was raised in Menasha, Wisconsin, where he attended Menasha High School before continuing his education at Fox Valley Technical Institute. The values he learned during his youth—hard work, humility, self-reliance, and dedication to family—would define the rest of his life.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserve for ten years, ultimately attaining the rank of Master Sergeant while serving as a Supply Sergeant. His military service reflected the same quiet commitment, reliability, and sense of duty that would characterize every aspect of his life.

Professionally, Jim enjoyed a distinguished engineering career spanning more than four decades with companies including Neenah Paper and Kimberly-Clark. Widely respected for his exceptional technical abilities, he was known by coworkers and friends as a world-class engineer who could build, repair, modify, or solve virtually any problem placed before him. His expertise took him around the world, where he worked on, oversaw, or supervised massive engineering projects, including major papermaking machine installations in Italy, France, and Korea. These complex projects were among the largest in the industry and represented investments worth hundreds of millions of dollars. He loved solving engineering challenges and took tremendous satisfaction in creating practical solutions where others saw obstacles.

One of the defining chapters of Jim's life began in his early thirties when a devastating industrial accident left him confined in a full-body cast for nearly eleven months. The injuries effectively ended his ability to continue working as a journeyman mechanic and would never be able to return to the physically demanding work he had known.

Rather than allowing the accident to define the rest of his life, Jim chose a different path. During his recovery, he returned to school and pursued a career in engineering. Although his employer offered him the opportunity to move into management as a supervisor, Jim declined. Characteristically humble, he had little interest in directing or disciplining many of the men who had previously worked alongside him and whom he considered friends. Instead, he pursued engineering, where his intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving abilities allowed him to thrive.

The perseverance, determination, and humility he demonstrated during that chapter of his life became hallmarks of his character and an inspiration to those who knew him.

On June 6, 1969, Jim married Bitsy (Martha) Wimer Andrew, beginning a partnership that would span fifty-seven years. Together they built a life centered on love, devotion, and family.

Jim's greatest accomplishment and deepest source of pride was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Bitsy (Martha) Wimer Andrew; his children, Jamie Andrew, Miguel A. Andrew (Tiffany (Yin) Jin Andrew), and Catherine A. Mariscal (Marty); and his cherished grandchildren, Brandon Andrew Mariscal, Ali Elise Mariscal, Morgan Andrew, Chenyi Andrew, James Andrew, and Jonathan Andrew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander Andrew and Dorcas Page Andrew, and his brother, John Andrew.

To those who knew him best, Jim was kind, humble, compassionate, honest, protective, and deeply respected. He possessed a dry sense of humor and a quiet strength that never sought recognition. Friends remember him as someone who was always willing to help. His children remember him as one of the kindest and most humble men they have ever known—a father whose love was unconditional and whose actions consistently spoke louder than words.

Jim found joy in fixing things, building things, and helping others. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, boating, bowling, golf, woodworking, and spending time outdoors. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and a member of the Fish Creek Yacht Club and the Eagles Club. He also loved traveling and explored destinations throughout Europe, Scotland, Italy, Mexico, China, and Hong Kong. Yet no matter where life took him, he was happiest when surrounded by family.

Perhaps no story captures Jim better than the fact that he and two engineer friends spent several years building Jim and Bitsy's entire lakefront home together. It was a testament to his remarkable skill, patience, and determination. But even more telling were the countless acts of kindness that often went unnoticed. For years, he snow-plowed free of charge for a paraplegic physician and for a residence serving individuals with disabilities. Helping others was simply who he was. He never sought recognition, praise, or attention. If something needed fixing, Jim fixed it. If someone needed help, Jim helped.

His workshop, basement, garages, and shed were filled with tools, machinery, and equipment but those who loved him know that the greatest things he built were not made of wood, steel, or machinery. He built a strong family, a lasting legacy of kindness, and a reputation for integrity that will endure for generations.

When asked what he was most proud of, the answer was simple: his family. When asked what brought him the greatest joy, the answer was the same.

Jim's legacy lives on through the values he passed to his children and grandchildren: humility, hard work, generosity, perseverance, and devotion to family. While his accomplishments were many, he would likely have preferred to be remembered not for what he achieved, but for how he treated people—with kindness, honesty, and quiet compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date in the Fox Valley area.

The family takes comfort in knowing that the man who could fix anything spent a lifetime making the lives of those around him better. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.