KINCHELOE / MARQUETTE - In loving memory of an amazing man. Monday, June 25, 2012 marked the passing of James Bernard Anderson, age 69, of Kincheloe, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. He passed away peacefully, in his sleep, at War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste Marie.
Jim was born on November 26, 1942, in Marquette, a son of Henning Bernard and Evelyn Sylvia (Lundin) Anderson (Peterson). After graduating from Graveraet High School, Jim proudly served his country as a US Navy shipman. Following his honorable discharge, he went to work, full time, as a guard at the Marquette Branch Prison, while carrying a full course load at Northern Michigan University. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in 1976. As a corrections officer, he also served at other facilities in Michigan, including Ionia and Muskegon, and finally retired with the rank of captain from Kinross in 2007, following over 30 years of unwavering service. In his spare time, Jim could always be found helping a family member, stranger, or friend; there was never any need too great or length too far for him to go to the aid of someone in need. Jim loved the outdoors, hunting, shoveling and blowing snow, enjoyed westerns, playing softball, and snowmobiling.
It was not uncommon for him to be found in the dead of winter, standing next to his grill, dressed in shorts, t-shirt, and boots, grilling for family and friends. He was generous with his time and often helped neighbors with clearing paths and driveways during the winter months.
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James B. Anderson
He also enjoyed a good game of golf, going shooting with friends, playing pinochle, and volunteering at Bay Cliff Health Camp. He possessed a marvelous sense of humor which he kept to the very end. In his last years, even as his health began failing from Parkinson's, he never despaired of life, nor lost the sparkle in his blue eyes.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Jean; son and daughter, Douglas Anderson of Marquette and Christine (Robert) Durst of Grand Blanc; his grandchildren, Jacqueline Marie Hanning, Daniel James Durst, Joshua Evans Durst, and Holly Marie Anderson; great-grandchildren, Kylie Marie Bowen and Aidan Dominic Hanning; his sisters, Mary Lou Beaudry and Donna Johnson both of Marquette; brothers, Charles (Joan) Anderson of Freemont and Willie (Nancy) Peterson of Marquette; numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Wilbert Peterson; and brother-in-law, Babe Beaudry.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Thursday, June 28, from 12:00 noon until the time of service at 2:00 pm. Rev. Leon Jarvis, Marquette General Hospital chaplain will preside and veteran's honors will be rendered by members of Jopling Post #44 of the American Legion. Jim's grandchildren will serve as honorary escorts.
Donations in Jim's memory may be made to: Bay Cliff Health Camp, P.O. Box 310, Big Bay, MI 49808.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderfuneralhome.com