James Emmons Anderson

Dean, thanks for sending this along.  I'm somewhat surprised that I didn't know your Dad's background. That's pretty amazing what he accomplished, but perhaps more so that he was so modest. Dr. Anderson, who knew?  Like Brandt, my memory of your Dad will always be comical- him engaging with a straight face multiple times a bunch of know-it-all teenagers articulated their lack of common sense throughout our high school days.

Steve Guenther

June 27, 2016

I have this great memory of your dad looking with total befuddlement at one of those foam forts we built in your basement, and I was trying to explain something about it to him and he kind of nodded but he was obviously thinking, what the HECK are you talking about?  Then again, I could probably say the same thing about a conversation I had with him when I was 30.

Brandt Goldstein

June 25, 2016

Bob and Donna Maxwell, Saturday, June 25, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss. Having known your special loving family during the early years in Ann Arbor, we want you to know that we deeply regret his passing and your time lost with him. You are in our prayers as you deal with this difficult time. Affectionately, Bob and Donna Maxwell

For those of you who will not be able to make it to the funeral, please leave us a message here.  And even if we will see you, we appreciate having written messages to read and re-read.

Dad was at the center of many good stories.  He was quite a character and seemed to attract characters (you know who you/we are!)  Please share your stories of Dad/Jim/Papa Jim/ Uncle Jim with us.

Love,

Wendy, Stephen, Dean and Nina

Jim and I met in January, 1953 at Talcott Jr. High School in Elmwood , Ct.I was born in August '38, just a few weeks after him. He and Betsy were married a week before Nancy Carol and I in 1962. In between, we were Hall High School buddies. He the "brain" and me the "athlete". "Tooling" around West Hartford on weekends, bowling, going to the "HowJoes", playing ping pong. shooting hoops, and running his Lionels at his house on South Main, drinking Mrs A'a sweet tea , double dating,founding members of the ESPFCB, Hall monitors at Hall High. My Mother never quite forgave him for the caption he put under my yearbook picture: "Away with the books, we're here for fun!" His tennis improved much after he left Hall High. Probably the most "distinguished member of our Class of 1956.
A great sadness has enveloped me, although this passing was not unexpected. What is life but the memories we leave when we pass on ? And mine of him are all great. So long Jim,my longest friend, until we meet again.

Through Wendy, one of Mr. Anderson´s daughters, I have come to know the character and grace of Jim Anderson ---although never my pleasure to meet him. From time to time for a decade, Wendy has written or spoken of him in the close circle of writing group friends she gathered for twice monthly meetings in Washington. Without ever consciously intending to do so, over the years she drew for us a proud portrait of a fair and loving father, and a remarkable person. Thus I share your grief and regret at the loss of such a man. Most heartfelt sympathy to Wendy, and to the entire extended family and friends of Mr. Anderson. Meeting many of them at the events surrounding the beautiful funeral, I must comment that even in their grief, a most gracious, hospitable, and caring circle of people. Many thanks! Robin L. Kropf

Anderson clan - our condolences from the whole Force family. As a younger sibling of Dave (good buddy with Steve), I have memories of Jim's dry sense of humor, and the serious look on his face which kept me wondering, "was he serious, or joking!?"??. Our thoughts are with our neighborhood family, and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

To all the Anderson Family, our family's deepest sympathy; we will miss Jim greatly.
I have known Jim for almost half a century--first as the dad for Stephen and Dean, best friends of my son Brandt in our lively Frederick & Middleton crowd; then as the partner of my close friend Betsey; and finally as a pal in our old Ann Arbor neighbors' group meeting for Thursday Night Dinners with Ann Flucke, Dick Force, and my husband, Doug, and me while wintering in Naples. Jim was a wonderful host, even hauling everything necessary out to the beach so we could comfortably watch glorious sunsets while sipping wine and nibbling goodies. Always learning new things (think advanced tennis lessons in Spanish!), Jim was an amazing "retiree"! Our future will not be the same without him.

I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Thinking of you all.
Have known the Anderson family since Nina about 2! Always enjoy "stopping in to see the Andersons" on my trips to Naples to visit Ann.

To our Dear Anderson Family- reading over the lovely obituary for Jim (Still Mr. Anderson to me!) I had to smile. To me, Jim Anderson was a neighborhood dad! We had a great neighborhood in Ann Arbor and I have the best memories of that time - trolling around Green Briar park and the surrounding neighborhood in a pack of kids! We didn't see our parents that often (we were free range children!) but when I did see Jim, I picture him as described in the obituary- sitting with his legs crossed, drinking a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper at the kitchen table. Looking at me over the top of his glasses and saying "well, hello there Susie Force!". Then Nina, Susan Reindel and I would hustle back out the door again! It is very special to read all the wonderful accomplishments he achieved in his full and good life. I think of him as such a kind, bright and content man and now have an even fuller lense by which to remember him. Big hugs and much love to all of you- "Mrs. Anderson", Wendy, Stephen, Dean and Nina! I am thinking of you and praying that you enjoy all the happy memories of a great life lived! I hope we do cross paths soon in Florida or elsewhere!

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. While it has been many years since I have seen your father, he is still dear in my heart. He always welcomed me into his home and made me feel like part of the family. Blessings.

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

We are so sorry for your loss. Having known your special loving family during the early years in Ann Arbor, we want you to know that we deeply regret his passing and your time lost with him. You are in our prayers as you deal with this difficult time. Affectionately, Bob nd Donna Maxwell