James Anderson

James Robert Anderson, son of Andrew and Amanda (Cin) Anderson, was born June 12, 1936 in Graceville, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Morris. Jim grew up in the Donnelly area and attended grade school in Alberta and Alberta High School through the tenth grade. In 1959, Jim enlisted in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany and also traveled to Spain, where he so enjoyed the Mariachi music he heard there. He received an honorable discharge in 1961. Jim returned to the Donnelly area, where he continued to farm with his brother, Gene and sister, Lenore. He spent many years milking and loved the smell of a fresh plowed field. On June 4, 1969, he was united in marriage to Bertha Gibble at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alberta. The couple continued to live in Donnelly, where Jim worked construction for Delbert Philips for five years. He worked various jobs in Donnelly before his custodial duties at St. John's Lutheran Church in Donnelly. He also worked at Hennen Standard and for the City of Donnelly.

Jim was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alberta. He was also a member of the Morris American Legion and the Morris Eagles Club. He loved listening to Country and old time music, reading books, watching westerns (Raw Hide), admiring horses that were grazing in a pasture, going for rides in the country, spending hours talking to people. He especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Jim had his own time clock and always said "time really didn't exist and you don't need to worry or hurry". Tina, Jim's little dog, was one of his great joys; he felt she understood everything he said.

Jim died on Saturday, December 2, 2006 at Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 70 years.

He is survived by his wife: Bertha Anderson of Donnelly; two sisters: Lenore Anderson of Donnelly and Eleanor Pochardt of Morris and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: Arthur, Gene, John, Manly and Raymond; one sister: Leverne Kellen and his beloved little dog: Tina.

Pallbearers for the service are: Bob Peterson, Jack Pochardt, Richard Olson, Paul Nelson, Mike Mau and Maynard Mau. Honorary pallbearers are: Pat Smith, Meriel Cardwell, Marilynn Stallman, Shannon Smith, Chad Smith, Ryan Smith, all of Jim's nieces and nephews and all who called Jim a friend. Karen Stahn will serve as organist for the service with Josh Fischer serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangement.