James (Jim) Milton Sandy

James (Jim) Milton Sandy, 86, of Wilmington, NC passed away on January 3, 2013, at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC. Born July 11, 1926, in Wake County, NC, Jim was the third child of seven of the late James and Florence Sandy. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Jean Sandy on November 30, 2003. Jim's family moved to Wilmington, NC, in 1933 or 1934. He attended Cornelius Harnett Elementary, Hemenway Middle, and New Hanover High schools. In February 1944, Jim enlisted in the US Navy and attended basic training in Jacksonville, FL. After basic training, Jim attended the Hospital Corps School in Bainbridge, MD. Upon graduation, he was promoted to Pharmacist Mate Second Class. He then attended the Laboratory, and then the Epidemiology and Tropical schools at the US Navy Medical School in Bethesda, MD. After graduating at the top of his class, he was promoted to Pharmacist Mate First Class. From 1946 - 1948, he served on the USS General Billy Mitchell (APA-114) followed by the USS Repose (AH-16), where the ship's temporary home port was Tsingtao, China. Jim joined the Central Intelligence Agency in January 1950. He had many exciting and dangerous assignments during his 21 year career. Following his career in the CIA, he moved back to Wilmington and along with his wife, started Omni Realty and Appraisals. He held titles with various Wilmington real estate associations, including President of the Wilmington Regional Association of REALTORS. Jim was known for his outgoing personality and southern charm. He enjoyed sports, especially golf, and was an extra in several of the movies filmed around Wilmington. Jim was a member of Ogden Baptist Church in Wilmington. He was also a life time member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and President of the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina in 1982. Surviving Jim are his five children, Jon Sandy of NC, Jaimye Leary of WV, Janet Bodine of MD, James Sandy of MD, and Jackie Loughran of NC. He is also survived by a sister Christine Farrell of SC. A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M Friday, January 11, 2013, at Andrews Mortuary, Market Street, Wilmington. Internment will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Legion, Post 10 in Wilmington, NC, the VFW, or the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina.