James Anderson "Andy" Kimmey

James Anderson “Andy” Kimmey, born October 28, 1935, left us on Tuesday, February 15, 2022.

Andy grew up in Elba, Alabama, hunting and fishing as much as possible. After graduating from Elba High School, he attended the University of Alabama where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering. While at UA, Andy was a Pi Kappa Phi. He began his career as a salesman for Republic Steel Corporation where he worked for over 20 years. He retired from Gulf Atlantic Culvert in Tallahassee in 2000.

When the family moved to the Tallahassee area they settled in Wakulla County on Live Oak Island. They had water in the front yard, water in the back yard and sometimes water beneath the house. Andy could be out in the Gulf with a hook in the water in mere minutes. Living on the edge of St. Marks Wildlife Refuge meant hunting was out of the question, but fishing was year-round. He set crab traps, was proficient with a cast net and had a huge collection of rods, reels and lures for all kinds of fish. He and Dixie instilled a love of the outdoors in their children and grandchildren.

He was a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow. He supported Hands Helping Anglers through Rotary, a program that gave individuals with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy fishing in the Gulf.

Andy was always very involved in his church. He was a member of Crawfordville United Methodist Church where he served on numerous committees and taught Sunday School. Lifelong friendships were formed there. He was a volunteer with Respite in Wakulla County for a number of years along with Dixie.

Andy is survived by wife of 63 years, Dixie Dickert Kimmey, four children and their spouses, Jim and Bonnie Kimmey, Kim and Gary Kirk, Klair Kimmey and Richard Swan, and Kelen and David Shostak. Also survived by grandchildren: Mason Kirk (Melissa), Chris Kirk (Tahnee), Connor Kirk (Tomoyo), Buddy Swan, Ascher Shostak, and Ari Shostak. And by seven greatgrandchildren: Baker and June Kirk; Sawyer, Foster and Wilder Kirk; and Meisa and Rimi Kirk. Also survived by sister-in-law Emily Dickert Mathews and her family.

Andy is predeceased by parents, Dr. and Mrs. John Mason Kimmey, and brother, John Mason “Johnny” Kimmey Jr.

A memorial service is planned for March 12, 2022 at Crawfordville United Methodist Church, Crawfordville, Florida. Visitation is at 1 p.m. and the service is at 2 p.m. A private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Project, Inc., 301 E. Tharpe St., Tallahassee, FL 32303 or alzheimersproject.org.