Cowley student from Winfield loses life over weekend
Issue 14 - 04.13.06

BY SARAH LAVALLEE
Staff Writer

Cowley student James Willis Andes of Winfield died at his home on the morning of Sunday, April 9. Andes was 20 years old.

A Winfield High School graduate, Andes had been attending Cowley College and would have graduated this May with an associate degree in accounting.
Andes was employed at Precision Pallet and McPherson Drilling. His hobbies included hunting and fishing.

According to Bill Mueller of the Cowley County Sheriff’s Department, the official cause of death was a gunshot wound.

Social Science instructor Cathy Hendricks said Andes had a good sense of humor. “He always wore his Texas Longhorns hat and I’m an OU fan, so we had an ongoing joke about it,” Hendricks said.

Business instructor Todd Kelley described Andes as “a good student” and a “joker.” A memory Kelley has of Andes’ sense of humor is when he humorously remarked, “No matter how hard I study, I always get the same grade on your tests.”

Funeral services will be held today (April 13) at 2 p.m. at Miles Funeral Service. The burial will follow at the Wilmot Cemetery. A memorial has been created in Andes’ name for the Future Farmers of America. Contributions can be made through the funeral home.

He is survived by his parents Kenny and Renee Andes, brother Jacob, sister Ashley and maternal grandparents Leo and Marilyn Meadows of Winfield.

Student Life Counselor Roy Reynolds will be available to speak with students and staff having difficulties coping with Andes’ death. Reynolds’ office is located in the Nelson Student Center in room 204.