James Joseph Andresen

Jim was born January 8, 1967, the fourth of five Andresen boys. He attended Holy Name and St. James Catholic schools and Burke High School, graduating in 1986. Jim was said to have been the best athlete of all 5 Andresen boys—playing little league baseball at Keystone, basketball at St. James and JV baseball at Burke. A highlight of his Little League career at Keystone was getting a base hit off Gregg Olson—a line drive to center field. Gregg Olson went on to play baseball at Auburn and then with the Baltimore Orioles.

Jim loved watching sports and following his favorite teams: Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Chicago Cubbies! There was nothing better than watching a game with family or friends. He became good friends with his AA sponsor, Dwight, whom he met through the Salvation Army program. He spent many good times with Dwight cheering on their teams. Dwight called him “Chubbs”. He shared stories of “just Chubbs being Chubbs…”

Another thing that brought him true joy was holiday decorations! He loved putting up his Christmas tree early. . . like, AUGUST!!! The last time he was at Judy’s he wanted to pull her decorations from the attic and get her tree decorated. In his own apartment (immaculately clean, by the way), his Halloween tree was already decorated, and his deck and apartment already had Christmas lights hung and lit.

Jim loved animals and often had his dad’s “Daisy” in his arms and at Mom’s house, he spent lots of time with Roxie in his lap.

In the last few days, much has been said about Jim by his family and friends. “Jim knew everybody.” “He had friends everywhere.” “So easy to talk to, all the time”, “He never gossiped about anyone or talked down to anyone.” “He was always a gentleman.” “He was so kind to the elderly.” While he was working at Burke High School, he would have to set up chairs for church services that were being held in the gym temporarily. He noticed an elderly gentleman who came to the services on a regular basis. The man came alone and sat by himself through the service. On Easter that year, Jim brought him a little basket with candy in it and sat with the gentleman for the service. According to his brothers, “Jim was the nice one.” He was so good about doing everything he could to help his mom—mowing, raking, weeding. If anyone called him asking for help around the house, he was there.

An extremely dark point in his life was the horrible, devastating shooting at Von Maur on December 5, 2007. Jim was working there at the time the shooting took place. He lost a good friend and co-worker that day, Gary Joy. Jim never got over that awful day.

Jim was a fragile soul. He loved deeply. He fought his addiction one day at a time. His brother, Mike, said “Jim had his struggles. . . but don’t we all.” Struggle is a never-ending process.

Today we say goodbye to our James. . . Jim. . . Jimmy. . . Jimbo. . . and Chubbs. He affected each of our lives in so many ways. We, here on earth, are left with sadness and a hole in our hearts. Heaven has gained a very special person. God has a new buddy.

Jim is survived by his mother, Judith (Judy); his father, Robert (Spike) and step-mother, Jan; four brothers: Steve (Stephanie), Mike (Jodi), John (Julie) and Brian; step-sister, Andrea Yager (Gary) and step-brother, Trent Huebner. Jim has numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Harold and Helen Andresen, Tom Caniglia, and Albert and Patricia Dhaenens.