[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 62 (Friday, April 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E683-E684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF JAMES WESLEY ANDREAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. James 
Wesley ``Jim'' Andreas, who passed away on April 21, 2012 at the age of 
eighty. Jim was a farmer, a community leader and a veteran, who lived 
an exemplary life. Most importantly, Jim will be remembered for being a 
loving family man and loyal friend.
  Born into a proud farming family, Jim was born on December 28, 1931 
at the Andreas home just outside of Delano, California. A son of John 
David ``Dave'' and Emma Andreas, he grew up working on the family farm 
diligently along with his siblings--Frank, John, Mary, Virginia, and 
Roger. Jim demonstrated his leadership, athletic and scholastic 
abilities throughout his school years, participating in Key Club, Band, 
Tennis and 4 H Club, where he was selected as a County All-Star. He 
graduated from Delano High School in 1949 and was voted as ``the 
Brains'' senior superlative.
  While studying at Stanford University, the family home was destroyed 
during a fire and Jim returned to Delano to help rebuild the ranch. 
Upon the completion of the J.D. Andreas and Sons ranch base of 
operations, Jim finished his studies at University of California, 
Davis, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics 
with honors in 1954. Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the United 
States Navy, earning a commission in the Naval Reserve as an Ensign and 
trained to be a skilled and decorated naval pilot. On April 28, 1962 
and during his time of service to our country, Jim married Jill Marie 
Taggart. After completing his active duty service, Jim and Jill 
returned to Delano to the family business in agriculture.
  Jim worked alongside his father and brothers at the J.D. Andreas and 
Sons farming operation. Under his management, the business grew from 
300 acres to 2,000 acres of field crops and grape vineyards. Through 
his role at J.D. Andreas and Sons, Jim was a true leader in California 
agriculture, serving 33 years as a member of the California Dry Bean 
Advisory Board and as chairman for six years. He was also a Director of 
the Cal-Bean and Grain Cooperative, Inc. and the Raisin Bargaining 
Association, where his expertise and knowledge were recognized both 
domestically and internationally.
  Jim also immersed himself in our community and was active in a number 
of organizations. He served on the Delano Joint Union High School Board 
of Trustees, the Delano High Ag Advisory Group and volunteered as 4 H 
Club leader for over 15 years. Jim was a devoted

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member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Delano, where he was a 
supporter of the Key Club and started the Builders' Club for 7th and 
8th grade students at Cecil Avenue Junior High. Jim also served as 
Secretary of Our Saviour Lutheran Church and Director of the Valley 
Production Credit Association. He was honored as Delano's Man of the 
Year in 1987, received the UC Davis Award of Distinction in 1995 for 
his service to California Agriculture, and was selected as the Grand 
Marshal of the 2003 Delano Harvest Holidays Festival.
  Jim's legacy will live on through his service to our nation, his work 
in our Valley, and through his children, LCDR Mark J. Andreas, USN Ret 
and Dr. Jennifer Andreas, and his four grandchildren, Mark J. Andreas, 
Jr., Austin Williamson, John W. Andreas, and Ashley Williamson. Perhaps 
what was most telling of Jim's character was the importance he placed 
on family and friendship. Jim leaves his many family members with many 
warm and cherished memories.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
life of James Wesley Andreas, an honorable and respected man with an 
unwavering commitment to his loving family and our nation.

                          ____________________