SUFFOLK - James Edward Andrews, Jr., 79, passed away November 15, 2017 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Wilson, NC, the son of the late James E. Andrews, Sr. and Virginia E. Andrews. Living most of his life in Portsmouth, Jimmie was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. After high school, Jimmie worked for his father's insurance agency, Jimmie Andrews, Inc., and became the youngest licensed agent in the state. After several years in the Army Reserves, he worked in the automotive industry and went on to become owner and CEO of Crossroads Firestone. But Jimmie was proudly and best known throughout his career as "Big Al," the founder and CEO of Big Al's Mufflers & Brakes (Anzell Automotive, Inc.). He opened his first Big Al's store in 1984 and grew the business to over 15 stores and franchises by the time he retired. Jimmie was also the founder and Chairman of the Board of the Norfolk branch of Cenit Bank. He enjoyed being involved in the local business community, serving as a board member of Towne Bank - Portsmouth, Bon Secours Maryview Hospital Foundation, Waterside Capital Corporation, and Portsmouth Partnership. But when Jimmie spoke of what started his passion for business leadership, he loved to say it all started with being president of his 7th grade class and captain of the Westhaven Elementary Safety Patrol!

Jimmie considered his most important and favorite roles to be that of husband to the love of his life for 55 years, his wife Mary, father to his three beautiful girls, and being a wonderful granddaddy to all of his many grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Mary K. Andrews; three daughters, Lori P. Andrews of Richmond, VA, Julie A. Bunting (Chris) of Raleigh, NC, and Jennifer A. Scholes (John) of Suffolk, VA; seven grandchildren, Ashlee Guzman, Danielle Pearson (Nick), Kyle Guzman, Sydney Bunting, Drew Bunting, Jake Scholes and Avery Scholes; and three great-grandchildren, Jaeden, Arabella, and Maddox.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 20, 2017 at 11am at Trinity Episcopal Church, 500 Court Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704. Burial will be in the Trinity Churchyard after the service, followed by a reception in the Trinity Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.