It is with heavy hearts that the family of Jim Andrews announces his passing on April 23, 2026, at the age of 75. He will be remembered as a remarkable man whose strength, resilience, humour, and deep love for his family shaped every part of his life.

Jim was born on August 3, 1950, at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. Although he was the middle child of three, he kept both his mother and sister Maureen on their toes throughout his younger years while attending Calder School, Wellington Junior High, and Queen Elizabeth High School, including a memorable attempt to escape out the upstairs window of his childhood home to avoid doing the dishes.

After high school, Jim worked at the CN rail yard where he formed many lasting friendships. At the age of 21, he survived a motorcycle accident that left him a C5–6 quadriplegic. Despite the life-altering challenges that followed, Jim lived with courage and perseverance, and never allowed his circumstances to define him. In the years that followed, he became involved in a precedent-setting Supreme Court case that contributed to meaningful change for others living with severe injuries.

Several years later, once his life had settled into a new rhythm, Jim met Dawn in an unexpected and memorable way.

In 1979, Dawn had only just arrived in Edmonton to stay with one of her uncles when she unexpectedly joined him, her uncle, and Jim on a five-week road trip through California that was set to begin the very next day. Though Jim initially joked about his friend’s niece “tagging along,” what followed was the beginning of a love story filled with laughter, adventure, and partnership that would span more than four decades. 

Jim and Dawn married on October 3, 1981, at St. Andrews Church, surrounded by loved ones. Their early years together were filled with travel and adventure, including road trips to Mexico, New Orleans, and Ontario, along with many lively gatherings with friends in true 1980s spirit.

Together with Jim’s younger brother David and his wife Evelyn, Jim and Dawn spent time owning and operating the Hazeldean Bakery for a number of years. It was a busy and meaningful chapter of life that reflected Jim’s determination and willingness to take on new challenges. 

In 1984, Jim and Dawn moved to the north end of Edmonton, where they purchased the home that would remain the heart of their family life for more than four decades.

In June 1987, Jim became a father with the arrival of his son Dillon, followed by his daughter Murphy in July 1991.

As a young family, life was full of activity and togetherness — backyard lobster boils, bonfires, barbecues, and weekends spent at Elk Island. Jim loved driving and never complained as he shuttled Dillon and Murphy to sports, friends’ houses, playgrounds and activities, never being the first to suggest it was time to head home after a full day out. As a father and husband, his support went far beyond encouragement. If someone he loved showed interest in something, he invested himself fully — offering his time, knowledge, patience, and unwavering belief in their abilities. He took genuine joy in helping others discover what excited them and quietly gave them the confidence to pursue it. 

Jim was also deeply involved in his community through many years of volunteering with the North Edmonton Wizards Lacrosse Club, where he served as president, coached the Junior team, and took on a variety of roles. He made countless connections and had a lasting impact on many young players.

Football Sundays were a tradition in the Andrews household, with friends gathering weekly to cheer on their favourite teams. Jim ran a football pool for 35 years, long before the days of online betting. The house followed a familiar Sunday rhythm — no one was allowed to use the phone on Sunday mornings while picks were being called in, the kids helped record entries as they came in, and by 11 a.m. sharp, Dawn and the children would clear out so the games could begin and beers could be cracked. 

Jim especially loved spending time at William Watson Lodge with his family, where days were spent playing board games, exploring the park, and sharing good food, laughter, and stories. 

Jim’s joy only grew as his family did. He was incredibly proud and deeply happy when Dillon and Murphy found their partners in Lizzy and Connor, and he welcomed them both into the family with open arms. It meant a great deal to him to see his children loved so well and building lives with people who truly cared for them, and he never missed an opportunity to express how proud he was of the lives they were creating together.

Becoming a grandfather was something Jim talked about for years, often gently teasing his kids about when the time would come. When Kate and James arrived, they quickly became one of the greatest joys of his life. Jim absolutely adored being their Papa — he lit up around them, cherished every visit, and took immense pride in watching them grow. They brought him a happiness and softness that was unmistakable, and he loved them deeply.

Jim was a loyal and genuine friend, generous in every sense — with his time, his support, and his willingness to help without hesitation.  He was endlessly curious about the world and found joy in learning wherever he could — through conversations, current events, documentaries, movies, television, and the stories of those around him. He had a remarkable ability to know a little bit about everything, making him the person everyone wanted beside them for trivia night or as their “phone-a-friend” on Jeopardy. He was a passionate supporter of the Edmonton Oilers and the NFL and someone who never hesitated to stand up for what he believed in or champion the underdog.

Jim is survived by his wife Dawn, his son Dillon (Lizzy), his daughter Murphy (Connor), and his grandchildren Kate and James. He is also survived by his sister Maureen; his brother David (Evelyn); his sister-in-law Susan (Rod); his brother-in-law John (Denise); and his extended family. 

Jim was predeceased by his mother Dorothy (Bolseng) Andrews and his in-laws Norma and Carl Piotrowski.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him — as well as his loyal companion, Tiko. 

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 14th from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at the Slovenian Hall. The family kindly requests that guests wear bright colours or a favourite sports jersey in honour of Jim’s life.

DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society.