James W. Anderson

James Woodrow Anderson, 91, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2016 after a long, full life.  The son of immigrants, (Danish born Anten Anderson and Ina Anderson, whose family was from Sweden) he was born in Minot, North Dakota on July 24, 1924.  Upon his father’s death, Ina moved Jim and his two younger brothers back to her family homestead in the UP where they were raised by their independent, hard-working, single mother and under the watchful eye of aunts and an uncle.  They attended the four room country school they could see across the fields from the kitchen window of their home in Metropolitan.  Jim, a good student, tall and athletic, went to Felch Township High School where he played basketball. It was a proud moment for the small community when the team went on to the state finals. After graduation in 1943, he enlisted in the Navy and served on many ships in the Asiatic Pacific Theater.  The last was the USS James E. Craig, which was involved in many encounters with the Japanese.  Jim was awarded many citations and awards and was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Quarter Master Third Class.  He went on to attend Michigan State University and received a B.S. Degree in Agriculture under the GI Bill.  He was a member of the ROTC program and Army Reserve and received the rank of Second Lieutenant. During his subsequent long career with Caterpillar Machinery as a representative in Latin and South America, he traveled extensively for both work and pleasure, embracing the people and cultures.  Spanish became his second language. It was in this world, in his early 40’s, that he met and married his lovely Paraguayan wife, Nona (Sorenson).  They made their home in St. Joseph after they left Caterpillar and started with Clark Equipment.  His position in their International Construction Division took him to the Far East where he worked in their Hong Kong office, covering their Asian market.  Subsequently, he returned and continued his marketing efforts in Latin and Central America. With the passing of Nona and in retirement, Jim set out to travel the world with his backpack and a frugal budget.  The adventure took him through China, Europe, Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Middle East and ultimately Africa.  There he landed in Nakuru, East Africa, where he befriended the Mbugau family and helped them to establish “Happy Valley”.  Over nearly the last thirty years, he has made annual trips, lasting up to months at a time, providing leadership, financial and material support while traveling other parts of the world as well.  His last trip was at 90 years old.  He has missed his Kenyan family dearly, especially Greshon, whom he brought to St. Joseph for education beyond high school. James’ church community and long-time friends have been supportive and in many ways, instrumental in this journey for which he has expressed much appreciation and gratitude.  An exemplar member of “the Greatest Generation”, he is now on a new journey and will be missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ina and Anten; his brothers, Col. Robert N. Anderson (Bernice Anderson) and Col. David Anderson and is survived by his sister-in-law, Doris Anderson; niece, Dr. Sheila Anderson (Dr. Patrick Hughes); and nephew, Robert Anderson (Denise Ireland). A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 3, 2016 at First Congregational Church, 2001 Niles Ave, St. Joseph with Rev. Dr. Robert Braman officiating.  Military rites will be conducted by North Berrien Military Rites Team.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services in St. Joseph. Those wishing to send a condolence to the family online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.