James Anderson

Anderson, James "Jim"

Cottage Grove: James ("Jim") Anderson, age 66, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on August 9, 2018. Jim was born on March 17, 1952 in Madison, WI to Rueben and Rosemary (Mooney) Anderson. After graduating from DeForest High School Jim received associate degrees in Culinary Arts, but the majority of his working life was spent in the Automotive Parts Service Industry.

Jim was a straight-up guy, unassuming and preferably out of the spotlight. A man who dearly loved his family and simply enjoyed watching everything before him unfold, in front of bowling, Brewers, Packers, Badgers, or a competitive game of bags, didn't matter, just soaking in the fun that his family was having at every get-together. He had a special glow to him when he was with his sons, their lovely wives, and their kids.
Jim never missed a moment of his boys' activities throughout their growing up years, as well as into their adult years. Whether it was sports, scouts, band, or choir, he was present. Jim often talked about his son's extraordinary friends as he felt that they, too, were his friends.

There was no bigger fan than "Pop Jim" in recent years with his beautiful grandkids. He had a special way of making them laugh, often uncontrollably, because not only was he good at making fun of himself, he had a playful nature when in their presence, meant only for them.
Jim was over joyed to watch his grandson, Connor (8) play a wide variety of sports, but mostly baseball where Connor's teams recently won consecutive season championships and began traveling for tournament games. His granddaughter, Landry (5) performed in dance recitals and just finished her first seasons playing soccer and T-Ball. His youngest grandson, Thomas (1), held out taking his first consecutive steps so that his Pop was a witness to his latest milestone.

Jim was a rare man who never was afraid of hard work, always taking pleasure in the small things, whether it was riding on his John Deer mower, working in the yard, tinkering with anything mechanical, sitting with a pet sleeping on his lap, relaxing on the deck in front of a fire, or pointing out both the mama and father cardinals that frequently visited his bird feeders.

Jim is survived by his wife, Kathy, his two sons, Ryan (Andrea) and Craig (Melissa), grandchildren, Connor James, Landry Jessica, and Thomas Robert Anderson. Jim is also survived by two sisters, Ann (Dale), Carol (Mike), his brother Paul (RoJeane), sister-in-law Vicki (Al) and brother-in-law Bob (Megan). Jim also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who have inspired him with their amazing achievements, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and fur babies Sami, Gracie, Kora, and Bella.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Robert V. Phillips, mother-in-law Lucille M. Phillips, sister Mary, sister-in-law Carla, infant brother John, his grandparents John and Lillian Anderson and Frank and Clara McCarthy, and pets Katie and Kahlua.

Jim would like to thank his physicians, Dr. Daniel Abbott and Dr. Sam Lubner, Madison EMS Station Five, Deer-Grove EMS, and his Agrace Hospice care givers Carmen, Samantha, Heather, Nicole, Charlie, and Katie for their care and support to him and his family. Through his short 'end of life journey' Jim learned, with your compassion, kindness and listening ears, that he touched many, many lives in his lifetime.

A celebration of life will take place at Bowl-A-Vard Lanes, 2121 E. Springs Drive, Madison, September 22, 2018 from 1-5 PM with a short presentation at 2 PM. "The family requests those attending to wear UW Badger attire".

Memorials may be made in Jim's name to UW Carbone Cancer Center, Agrace Hospice, or Dane County Humane Society. Please share a memory at www.CressFuneralService.com .

We love you Jim, Dad, Pop. You are 'PopStrong', our hero, never forgotten.

"Life is like baseball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains."
Bull Durham

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406