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James Anderson Obituary

James Robert Anderson Sept. 13, 1928 - Feb. 6, 2010 "Andy" died peacefully at home from lung cancer. He's survived by his wife Melinda, his first wife, Valerie Hopkins, children David, Kenneth, Scott and Lessley Anderson, five grandchildren, and stepmother, Wilma B. Anderson. A musician, outdoorsman, and public servant, Andy was born in Berkeley, CA. He spent his early adulthood playing jazz piano in dance bands around the Bay Area, including the Dick Johnson Band. After receiving his MA in education from San Jose State and doctorate from Stanford, he was Principal at several area elementary schools, including College Park and Schallenberger. He served several years as Associate Superintendent of San Jose Unified School District. Andy was an omnivorous reader who enjoyed fly-fishing, visiting historic sites, traveling and cooking at home with Melinda, and working on building projects with his sons in the Sacramento Delta. Though in his last five years, Andy's health deteriorated, his wonderful sense of humor never flagged. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Avenue, San Jose, California 95124.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News on Feb. 10, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Valerie Rosenkrantz

February 14, 2010

Dear Melinda,
Thanks for this beautiful obituary -- so many talents and good memories he left with us all. So sorry for your loss. So grateful Uncle Andy is at peace. Was with you in spirit yesterday.
Love
Valerie

Jose & Lucy Reyes-Ortiz

February 13, 2010

Melinda,
We are sorry to hear about Andy. It is hard to lose our loved ones. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Owen Dimock

February 10, 2010

Melinda
Pat and I just learned of Andy's passing. We are so sorry. He was a good friend and a great fishing companion, I will always remember him with a smile for the many wonderful adventures we shared.

Bud Dimock

Andy's courage and acceptance of his loss of vision was an inspiration to many who knew him. A man of great spirit and love of a good laugh. He left us a lot of wonderful memories.

Pat Dimock

Kim Fields

February 10, 2010

I have been thinking about Andy lately, wondering how he was doing. So sorry he's gone but glad he is not in pain and at peace. I worked with him at CCOC/MAEP. I enjoyed working with him even when he got mad cause you knew it would last all of 5 minutes. He didn't even give me a chance to get over it before he was back to joking around. RIP Andy.

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