Maj Gen James Gregory Andrus

USAF Major General James Gregory (Greg) Andrus, loving husband and father, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, in Provo, Utah, surrounded by family and loved ones, and with his sweetheart wife, Joan, by his side. He was 86 years old.

Greg was born December 10, 1937, to parents James Roman Andrus and Irva Rose Pratt Andrus, in Bell, California. He graduated from BY High in Provo, Utah in 1956 and then was called to the Central America Mission and upon successfully serving, he married his one true love and high school sweetheart, Joan Cynthia Morrison on January 27, 1961, in the Salt Lake, Latter-Day Saints temple. He went on to graduate in 1962 with a Bachelor of arts degree in geography from Brigham Young University and a Master's degree in Latin American Area Studies from University of Utah in 1971. All the while enjoying the wonderful adventure of raising a family and embarking on what would become an illustrious military career.

Greg dedicated his life to serving the Lord, his family and his country with love, honor and faithfulness, that he might lead by example, those of us blessed to have been in his life. He is a true hero on every front. We send him with sorrow in parting, and immeasurable love in our hearts, onto a new and greater adventure, in that Heavenly “wild blue yonder” where we look forward in hope, to rejoining our beloved Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and sweet husband to Joan. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Greg was a true and faithful servant, and served in many active roles within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including counselor in the Provo Missionary Training Center presidency, Mission President in the Venezuela Caracas Mission, High Priests Group Leader, former counselor in Stake Presidency, High Councilor, Stake Mission President, Mission President's counselor, counselor in District Presidency, Bishop and counselor, Ward Mission Leader, Elders Quorum President, Seventies Group Leader, Blazer Scout leader, Sunday School teacher, Priests Quorum adviser, and missionary in the Central American Mission.

Maj. Gen. James G. Andrus was commander of 3rd Air Force, Royal Air Force Station Mildenhall, England. He directed United States units based in the United Kingdom in preparing to conduct tactical air operations, to include counter air, interdiction and close air support, as part of the U.S. commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. He also served as the single point of contact representing U.S. forces in negotiating with Her Majesty's Government. In that capacity, his duties included the selection and use of installations, property maintenance, logistics, legal arrangements and other matters affecting U.S. forces, personnel and their families based in the United Kingdom.

General Andrus entered the Air Force in 1962 as a distinguished graduate of Brigham Young University's Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He has commanded an Air Force fighter squadron, wing and air division. The general was a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours, principally in fighter aircraft; including more than 700 combat hours.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 16 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" device and five oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Greg is survived by his wife, Joan Andrus; five children, Cindy (Scott), Shelly, Lezlie (Brad), Matthew (Amy) and Summer (Jason); thirteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and two brothers, Raphael and Alec; and many other extended family members. Greg was predeceased by his father, James Roman Andrus, his mother, Irva Rose Pratt Andrus, and two sisters, Aniece Andrus and Aniene Andrus Porter.

Please join us in celebrating Greg’s life, and reunion with those who have waited with joy and anticipation, to greet him in his amazing eternal journey.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 21, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at the Edgemont South Stake Center, 350 East 2950 North, Provo, Utah, with a viewing from 10:00-10:45 a.m. For those that are unable to attend, the services can be viewed at: http://funeral.pv4.org/ Interment will follow in the Provo City Cemetery, Provo, Utah. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.