James Ross Anderson

Obituary James R. Anderson James Ross Anderson died peacefully at Hospice House in Tacoma on September 2nd. He was born in American Falls, Idaho on January 9, 1920. Jim was the son of James Alexander and Jane Watson Anderson, originally from Wick, Scotland. He was the younger brother of Margaret and Jean. His family moved frequently through the western states while he was growing up. From an early age, Jim helped support the family financially by working at jobs before and after school. He graduated from Pomeroy High School in Pomeroy, Washington. He cared for his mother during her final illness. He served in the army during World War II, and was stationed for part of the time at a base on the Aleutian Islands. Jim married Helen Keller on October 1, 1949 in Seattle. They were married for 52 years when Helen died in 2001. They raised five children and have lived in the same home in Tacoma since 1961. They enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Europe, Jamaica, Japan, and spent several winters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jim showed his children and others an incredible example of commitment and love in his devoted care for Helen during the many years she suffered with Alzheimer's disease. With his outgoing personality, Jim was a natural salesman. He joined The American Biscuit Company, thinking he would give sales one year to see if he liked it. Thirty-eight years later he retired as their Vice President and General Manager of their West Coast operation which employed over 200 personnel. He also served as president of the Industrial Conference Board. Jim and Helen were active members of St. Charles Catholic Church since its beginning. He is survived by his children Bonnie, Steven, David, Michelle, and Rebecca; their spouses Dan Mailey, Irina Anderson, Alicia Anderson, Takean Koyama and Michael Clusserath; twelve grandchildren, Shawna, Erin, David, James, Helen, Kathryn, David, Christopher, Alisa, Emily, Nicholas and Meghan; one great-granddaughter, Sylvia; and his sister Margaret. Dad, we're glad you're traveling with mom again. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 10th, 2007, 11:00 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Rosary will be recited on Sunday, September 9th, 2007, 7:00 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Family suggests memorials to Franciscan Hospice House.