ANDERSON, James M. --- 1921-2010

OLANDER, ANDERSON, ARNOLD, DONNADIEU

Posted By: IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 2/11/2011 at 16:19:24

James M. Anderson

James M. Anderson 88, born December 5, 1921, passed away November 22, 2010, at Carondelet Hospice in Tucson, AZ. Jim was the son of Clifford and Cora (Olander) Anderson of Allamakee County. He grew up on the family farm near Elon. He attended Elon Center #6 for eight years and graduated from Waukon High School in 1940. After high school, Jim worked in Moline, IL before serving in both the U.S. Navy and Army Air Corps in WWII. After WWII, Jim and his wife, Peg (Arnold), moved to Tucson where Jim worked at Hughes Aircraft Co. for 34 years as a toolmaker and manufacturing engineer. After retirement, Jim and Peg moved to Green Valley, AZ where he spent many years enjoying golf, travel and desert gardening. Jim was also an avid chess player. He was a member of the Green Valley Chess Club for 20 years.
Jim never lost his love for Allamakee County and returned here often while living in Arizona. His fondest memories were of growing up in Swede Bottom, hiking the hills along Village Creek, and fishing the Mississippi backwaters. Jim believed God does not subtract from man’s time the time he spends fishing. He spent many hours with a fishing pole in one hand and a camera in the other as he sought a photo of the perfect water lily.
Since 2007 Jim had lived with his daughter, Mary Donnadieu, and they divided their time between Green Valley and the dream home they built near Village Creek. Jim loved being back in the hills and river valleys of northeast Iowa. A farmer at heart, Jim was able to live his last years as he had always wanted: as a gentleman farmer sitting in his easy chair, watching the deer, reading cookbooks, planning his gardens and talking sports with his brother, Bob. They kept the phone lines busy complaining about the Cubs.
Peg preceded Jim in death in 1998. Jim is survived by his son Cliff (Lynda) Anderson of New Britain, CT; daughter Mary Donnadieu of Green Valley, AZ and Allamakee County; grandchildren Coren and Karl Anderson of Albuquerque, NM; and great grandchildren Kylie Hanson, Lilia and Cecily Anderson of Albuquerque. Jim is also survived by his brothers Robert J. (Agnes) Anderson of Waukon and William Anderson of Mission, TX. Jim said he felt truly blessed to have such a good life and loving family.
A memorial service for family and friends to honor Jim’s life will be held next summer at the Center Baptist Church Cemetery. In Jim’s memory, please contribute to a charity of your choice and say a prayer of thanks for the love and beauty God has granted us all.

The Waukon Standard, January 5, 2011