James H. Gandy, 31, of Wayne Ave., Ellwood City, passed away unexpectedly Friday, April 17, 2015 at his residence.
Born March 26, 1984 in Ellwood City, he was the son of Eugene Morgan of Ellwood City and the late Johanna Gandy who passed away May 14, 2013.
James graduated from Lincoln High School in 2002. He continued his education for 2 years at Slippery Rock State University. James then joined the military and served with the U.S. Army from 2003 – 2011.
Staff Sergeant James Gandy, served 7 years and 11 months in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Drum, NY with three deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His awards include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He was Honorably Discharged in 2012.
Upon his discharge, he completed his bachelor’s degree in 2014 at Beaver County Community College where he achieved excellent grades that entitled him to be on the President’s List. James was a member of the Love Hope Baptist Church. He enjoyed watching basketball and professional wrestling with his friends. His greatest pride and joy was being a dad.
Survivors include a son, Jatavion H. “J.J.” Gandy at home; a sister, Caren Gaskins of Youngstown, Ohio, and aunts and uncles, Barbara Gandy, Katherine Gandy, Vernon Gandy, Willie Gandy, George Walker, Charles Borders, Anthony Borders, Andrew Borders, Nathan Borders, Carolyn M. Morris, Gwen B. Walker, Karen Borders, Christine Borders, Rena Bates and Sandra Borders, and a host of loving family and friends.
In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard and Mae Gandy and Charles and Evelyn Borders.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, April 21 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the MARSHALL FUNERAL HOME, 200 Fountain Ave., Ellwood City.
Funeral Services will be held at the Love Hope Baptist Church on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with his pastor, the Rev. Canard S. Grigsby Sr. officiating.
Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
I knew James ever since I was a little girl. James was a very nice
and a very intelligent man. James always tried to
help everyone who asked him for it. He will be
missed by so many. My deepest sympathies go out to
his family. RIP God’s new Angel
Mr. Gandy was a student of mine at CCBC in biology. He was a wonderful person to have in class. He was always engaged and interested and bringing up new points and ideas. He was a smart and creative person. I know he also took deep pride in his military service and I was very appreciative of his service to our country. I was shocked to hear this news. I will always remember him in the most positive light. I am so sorry to hear this.
Jason
Although I am not able to be there to support the family and give my condolences, I want the family to know that I share their sympathy for someone who was close to my heart. He was such a good person and I will sadly miss him. I will say a prayer for the family that they may find comfort at this sad time.
JAMES HAD A INFECTOUS SMILE – DEVOTED TO HIS LITTLE BOY “JJ” LOVED HIS COUNTRY. THE KIDS ALL LOVED HIM – THEY FONDLY CALLED HIM UNCLE GANDY. HE BROUGHT THE BEST OUT IN THEM. HE WOULD HAVE BEEN A WONDERFUL TEACHER. HE WAS SO EXCITED ABOUT SCHOOL. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED. “SUCH A LOSS” PRAY FOR “JJ”
My condolences to the Gandy family. I didn’t know James, but I know that you must have been so very proud of all of his accomplishments., including bravely serving our country. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sad to hear of James’ passing. He was a gentle man and a gentleman. He was bright, driven, and had a healthy passion for justice in our world. I had the extreme pleasure of having James in my class at CCBC a couple years ago. He was a joy and a gift to our class. May his family and loved ones be comforted at this very sad time. The world has lost a good and brave soul and I was blessed to have known him.
My prayers for James, his son, and his loved ones.
James you will be missed and I am honored that you were a part of our lives. Thank you for your selfless sacrifice in serving this great country. I will carry you with me in my heart always….and from now on they are no longer Sonia burgers. I’ve named them Gandy burgers!!! Love you my friend!!
I met James Gandy at the office of Attorney Gregory S. Fox. James left such an impression with me. Kind, sweet, great smile and an all around great mannered young man. It just saddens me that such a kind young man has been take from this life. To his family, you have my deepest sympathies, James will be someone that I will always remember, a “Hero”. To his son “JJ”, you will always have him in your heart and your memories. Again, you all have my deepest sympathies.
Words can not express the heart ache that one feels of the loss of James, We have many cherished memories with James and attending the Little Wolverine Football games, he could really get the crowd involved in his most spirited chant I Believe that we will Win. We will never forget James and will always hold him in our deepest and most precious memories.
Your smile will be treasured forever. I love you James.
James Gandy was one of the best Soldiers I have ever had the distinction of serving with. He was dedicated to his profession, committed to his Soldiers and distinguished himself on the battlefield on numerous occasions. I had many personal interactions with him, what he always had was a smile and he always reminded me of his son and his love for Pittsburgh sports teams, especially when they defeated my Boston sports team. He was a man of high character, no one will be able to replace him, he was one of a kind. I can remember in 2006 while we were in the Korengal Valley in Afghanistan, he personally insured that the morale of every Chiosin Soldier in that valley was high due to his dedication for providing a hot and good meal; we would have failed without him; his smile energized everyone. I know he will be missed, Rest in Peace brother, Rest in Peace CHOSIN Warrior, you will never be forgotten.
I had the pleasure of meeting James while he was stationed at Ft Drum. He was a wonderful dad and that child was his everything. I am so saddened to hear this news and hope his family can find some peace in this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with them.