It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. James Wallace Andrews, Jr. (Jim), a pioneering scientist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who lived a life marked by extraordinary achievements and boundless generosity.  Jim suddenly passed away on March 19, 2025.  He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Anne Smith Andrews (54 amazing years of marriage) and his parents, Etta Mae Andrews and James Wallace Andrews.   He leaves behind his two sons Jay (Lee) and Jeff (Caryn), six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.  Jim’s farm boy roots (he was born and raised in Robinson, GA) never left him as he was on his John Deere tractor planting his garden in early March this year as he had done every Spring for the last 25 years since his retirement.

Born with a passion for discovery, Jim pursued a lifetime of learning, earning an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, a master’s in Nutrition, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Georgia. In 1968, Jim and his beloved wife, Barbara, chose to make their home on Isle of Hope, a decision that began a new chapter filled with family, community, and groundbreaking work.

Jim’s illustrious career began at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, where he was one of the inaugural scientists of this renowned institution. Commuting to the Institute by boat before the days of the Skidaway Island bridge, Jim’s dedication to the study of aquaculture and environmental sustainability set the foundation for a lifetime of innovation publishing over 100 research papers on fish nutrition and aquaculture.

In the mid 1970s, Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged as he founded Savannah Laboratories and Environmental Services, Inc. What began as a part-time endeavor grew into a pioneering enterprise at the forefront of environmental science. Savannah Labs became an industry leader, tackling critical issues such as Superfund hazardous waste testing and environmental compliance for Fortune 500 companies and governmental agencies. By the late 1990s, Jim had expanded the company into six southeastern cities, employing over 450 professionals and leaving an indelible mark on the field.

In 1999, Jim sold Savannah Laboratories, then the fourth-largest private environmental lab in the U.S., to Severn Trent PLC, ushering in a new era for the enterprise and himself. After stepping away from his business, Jim redirected his energy to causes close to his heart. His devotion to community and nature was evident through his transformative work at the Coastal Botanical Gardens, where he and his wife Barbara donated the funds to construct what is now known as the Andrews Visitor and Educational Center at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden.  Jim worked there tirelessly almost every day for several years where he played a pivotal role in elevating the historic UGA Bamboo Farm into a premier 51-acre botanical garden.

Jim was also passionate about the Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia’s Kids Café.  Kids Cafe is a nationally recognized program that originated in Savannah in 1989, and Jim and his wife Barbara led as hosts of the annual Kid’s Café fundraiser held on Skidaway Island.  Through the years Jim’s generosity provided for thousands of children to have hot and nutritionally balanced meals in the greater Savannah area.

Jim’s unwavering commitment to science, his community, and entrepreneurship inspired all who knew him, and this was formerly recognized in 2016 when he was inducted into Junior Achievement’s Savannah Business Hall of Fame.  He was a devoted husband to Barbara, a cherished friend, and a mentor to countless colleagues and volunteers.

Dr. Andrews will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered through the lasting impact of his work and his devotion to bettering the world.  His family will receive friends in casual attire at Fox and Weeks on Hodgson Memorial on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.  A ceremony followed by a private burial will be held at Robinson Baptist Church in Robinson, Georgia on Saturday March 29, 2025 at 1:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Kids Café at the Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia.