A Sigma Chi Tribute to a True Sigma Chi

James A. Andrew (Epsilon Omega/Ball State) ’71 entered Chapter Eternal on April 11, 2024.  At his showing over 40 Sigma Chi’s were present to take part in the White Rose ceremony held in his honor.  Led by former Sigma Chi Grand Consul Dick Hester (Epsilon Omega) the presentation and reflections on Jim’s life brought the deeper meaning of our fraternity experience to life.

James A. Andrew ΕΩ 1971

Pledge brothers from Jim’s class, those from his two sons, Jay and Tom’s classes, and Sigs who knew him from his long involvement with Delta Delta all took part in this meaningful ceremony.  Jim’s wife, Laura, commented, “Jim would have liked this.”
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Sigma Chi Legacy

Jim, whose family is well established for multiple generations in the Lafayette community, has a long Sigma Chi legacy.  Jim’s grandfather, Joseph, ∆∆ 1908, brother Jess, ∆∆ 1970, and son’s Jay, ∆∆ 1998, and Tom ∆∆ 2003 were part of this lineage.

Upon graduating from Ball State University in 1971, Jim returned to Lafayette in 1972 to begin his long run as one of Greater Lafayette’s most engaging and committed citizens.  For over 25 years Jim served on Delta Delta’s House Corporation where he provided his expertise and local source of building materials for much of the maintenance done on the chapter house.  Jim was also a key source of direction and support during the 2007 construction phase of the renovation of the chapter house.  Additionally, Jim supported his own chapter, Epsilon Omega, in their building campaign and served on Ball State’s Alumni Council.

Jim was President and owner of Henry Poor Lumber Company where he began work in 1972 and later purchased it in 1983. His operations also included Flooring Express.  They supply building materials and flooring to commercial contractors and retail customers.

Community and Industry Engagement

A family Sig legacy: Jay ’98, Jim ’71 and Tom ‘03

Jim has served his industry as President of the Indiana Young Lumbermen’s Association and President of the Indiana Lumber and Building Association. Locally he served on the Lafayette Board of Works, Railroad Relocation, Greater Lafayette Commerce, Lafayette Savings Bank, Tippecanoe Republican Party, and as a Tippecanoe County Councilman for sixteen years and as President for eight years.

Jim was very active on the YMCA, Camp Tecumseh and Sigma Chi Fraternity boards, taught Junior Achievement, and was part of the Intersection Connection project involving Ivy Tech, the YMCA and Junior Achievement. He has also been an avid supporter of Purdue, Ball State and Jefferson High School.

A Pledge Brother’s Reflections

Larry Metzing wrote “Jim Andrew and I met 56 years ago as Sigma Chi pledge brothers at Ball State University. During that period of time, Jim has been a client, business partner, fellow Alumni Council member, drinking buddy and most important, a very, very good friend. While he approached his business or other outside interests very seriously, he always managed to have a good time and make the experience for others enjoyable.”

Larry continued, “In all of my business dealings with Jim, he always did what he said he was going to do. Even when things got tough, he always had my back. He was loyal to the nth degree and always supported his friends. He was a man of good character whose integrity is beyond reproach. My life is certainly better as a result of our friendship.”

That certainly can be said by all those who knew Jim throughout his very memorable life.

Jim, and his wife, Laura, are the parents of four children and grandparents of 15. Jim and his Sweetheart, Laura, have been married for over 51 years.