James Wesley Anderson

James Wesley Anderson, a beloved husband, father, friend, and resident of Evans, GA, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, in Augusta, GA at the age of 77. Born on September 4, 1947, in Washington, DC, James was the cherished only child of Paul Anderson and Gertrude Emily Gill.

James, known as Jimmy to family and friends in his youth and Jim in his adult years, grew up in the Chillum neighborhood of Hyattsville, MD, where he was actively involved in swimming, baseball and Boy Scouts. His mother was one of 10 children so he enjoyed having a large extended family and spending time with many aunts, uncles and cousins. Jim especially had fond memories of the two weeks he would spend each summer in Ocean City, MD with many family members, renting a four-plex together. He continued this tradition with his own wife and children, purchasing a beach home there that was enjoyed for many years. 

Jim graduated from Northwestern High School in 1966 and continued on to Prince George's Community College. While going to school, he worked part-time at Giant Food, where his strong work ethic made him stand out and he quickly worked his way up to become the Deli Manager. This is also where he met the love of his life, Donna Marie Ballard, who worked in the bakery at the same store. They were married on October 5, 1974 in Hyattsville, MD. Around the same time, he left that position to become an apprentice for an architectural metal maintenance company. Jim owned several businesses in the industry, where he refinished many notable bronze structures in the DC area, including work at the Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, White House, U.S. Supreme Court building as well as cleaning the case of the U.S. Constitution. He knew the streets of Washington DC like the back of his hand and proudly took family and friends to tour the city and his handiwork.

In 1985, Jim and Donna moved the family to Arnold, MD, where they lived for 30 years before moving south after retirement to the Augusta, GA area. Jim enjoyed traveling and met his goal of visiting all 50 U.S. States, his favorites being Hawaii and Alaska. He loved MD blue crabs, Washington Redskins football, and good music. He also loved participating in boating, deep sea fishing, dancing, bowling, volleyball and softball until his knees no longer cooperated. Jim was a classic car buff and was the proud owner of a restored 1935 Chevy. He delighted in taking his tangerine colored hot rod to countless car shows, enjoyed the comradery of fellow car club members and participated in many service opportunities, including dressing up as Santa Claus for holiday parties. Jim was an avid card player from double deck pinochle, poker and newly discovered hand and foot. 

Jim was a proud, supportive and loving father to his daughter, Jaime (Eric) Gillies and son, Brett (Adrina) Anderson, both residents of Evans, GA. His family was the center of his world, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness. He was a wonderful "Poppy" to his 5 grandchildren including triplets: Krista, Jamison, and Kiera Gillies, their younger brother Collin Gillies and Lucian Anderson. He loved spending time with the grandkids playing Zelda games on the Nintendo, watching America's Got Talent and America's Funniest Home Videos and supporting all of their sporting events and other activities. Poppy even helped coach some of the grandchildren when they played T-ball and he was a Cub Scout leader to his own son and two of his grandsons. 

Throughout his life, Jim was known for his unwavering dedication to his family and his community. He was the life of the party as well as a man of integrity and kindness, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His warm smile, gentle spirit and keen sense of humor touched the lives of many, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Donna, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. He is also survived by his two children and their spouses, five grandchildren, his father-in-law, Dan Ballard, his wife’s siblings and their spouses as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

Two memorial services will be held to honor Jim’s life and legacy. The GA service will be on Sunday, December 15th at 4pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 835 N Belair Road, Evans. A second memorial service will be held in MD on Monday, December 30th at 10:30am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1875 Ritchie Hwy, Annapolis. Private internment will take place at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, Brentwood, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Jim's memory.