Andy was born in Louisiana and raised in Texas.  Andy was married to his wife Jane for 33 years and has two sons, James Jr. and Thomas.  His pride and joy is his granddaughter Loretta Jane.

Andy spent 25 years in the United States Air Force.  Upon his retirement Andy moved to Elk Grove, California in 1993 and built their home in Wilton.  He currently works for Folsom Lake College as the Receiving Clerk.

Andy joined the Elk Grove Lions Club in 1997 and has 14 years of perfect attendance.  He has held the club offices of Director, Membership Chairman, Lion Tamer, 3^rd, 2^nd, and 1^st Vice-President and President.  He is the clubs FFA & 4H Project Coordinator and Community Organization Representative to Crew 59 and Pack 179.  In 2002 he was selected as the club’s Lion of the Year.

Andy got involved in the District activities by serving as the Scouting Coordinator for the District for 7 years.  Andy was very instrumental in getting the Lions Scouting Service Award developed for Lions International.  Andy has also served as Sutter Zone Chair, Sacramento Region Chair and 2^nd Vice District Governor.

Andy serves as the District Pin Trader.  He served on the Lions Education Foundation (LEF) Board of Directors for eight years and Northern California Lions Sight Association (NCLSA) Board of Directors for five years serving as President 2008 - 2009.  Andy has received several awards from the NCLSA and LEF, two International President Certificates and was selected as the Sacramento Region Lion of the Year for 2004 and 2006, District 4C5 Lion of the Year for 2007 and the Multiple District 4 Lion of the Year for 2010.  Andy is a progressive Melvin Jones Recipient.