James Sherman Andrews

James graduated from South Portland High School in 1957 and joined the merchant marines thereafter traveling abroad. Upon his arrival back to Maine James attended Portland University and eventually started his real estate sales company in 1960 known as Andrews Agency. After he became a Certified General Appraiser his company became Andrews Appraisal LLC, remains in operation.

James married his devoted wife Natalie Peppard in 1965 and raised two daughters sharing their lives together in South Portland, Sebago Lake, Casco Bay and later Sarasota Florida. His daughters both followed his appraising path and also became real estate appraisers.

James was a former Maine Guide, former member of Lobsterman’s Association, former Exalted Ruler of Elks Club and former member of Ducks Unlimited. He also was an over 65 mens doubles Florida tennis champion. He enjoyed numerous activities throughout his life including boating, hunting, fishing, diving for scallops, clamming, tennis, squash and carving wooden duck decoys. He was also a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots.

James was known to many as an expert of antique duck decoys. He collected, sold, repaired and restored duck decoys most of his adult life. He loved duck hunting and spent countless hours in Casco Bay during the winter months. James carved all of the decoys he would use, and his daughters, as well as many friends would accompany him on these hunts. He even had a vanity license plate of D-COYS for many years.

James’ wooden boat A’s Ark was designed by him and built in Canada. Upon completion he motored it to Portland from Canada with just a few maps and of course a few friends. A’s Ark and her first mate Natalie later made the voyage from Maine to Florida for the season. This trip took them through the middle of Florida (Lake Okeechobee) to the Gulf coast where they wintered for the season on A’s Ark before bringing her home to Portland.

Surviving are his wife and first mate Natalie, daughter Alison and husband Robert Hoar of Augusta, Maine and Parrish, Florida, Alicia and husband Shane Mosher of Augusta, Maine, brother Jay Andrews and Margie Andrews of Vinalhaven, Maine and Sarasota, Florida, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother John R. Andrews of Saco, Maine. Celebration of life to be announced in late spring.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Cancer Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Manasota Memorial Park and Funeral Home, Bradenton, FL.