James W. Anderson's Obituary
James Wilbur Anderson departed this life June 16, 2016 after a lengthy illness. He was born July 27, 1928 to Clara Ruth Cochran and Everet Hiram Anderson, in Paris, Texas.
James graduated high school at the age of 16 and pursued his college education at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee, where he met his beloved wife Queen Ann Dees. James and Ann were married January 10, 1948 in Corinth, Mississippi, and from that union were born three daughters, Melissa Carol, Sarah Ruth, and Jean Marie. James and Ann were together for 49 years until her passing in 1997.
James completed his B.A. degree with a major in History and a minor in English from Harding College in June, 1949; a Masters of Education from East Texas State College in August, 1965; and immediately began teaching in the Pine Tree Independent School District from which he retired in 1990. James was a Texas State Teachers Association Representative, a Life Member of Texas State Teachers Association, and past President of Classroom Teachers Association.
James was also a man of faith and held ministry positions concurrent to his career in public education. He preached his first sermon at the age of 17 and continued as a minister for sixty years until his retirement in 2004. His favorite pastimes during retirement were reading his Bible, extensive travel, and spending time with his family. His love of family was second only to his love of God.
James was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his parents, and siblings Sarah Tippett, Patty Belew, and Jack Anderson. He is survived by sisters Myrtle McFarland (Darwin) of Dallas, TX; Alice Plummer of Longview, TX; Betty Wolf (Jo) of Garland, TX; and brother Floyd Anderson (Ellen) of Marshall, TX. He leaves three daughters - Melissa Whited (Lowell) of Happy Valley, OR; Ruth Dailey (Jimmy) of Lawton, OK; and Jean Jenkinson (widow of Kirk) of Lawton, OK. He has five grandchildren - Jamie Wilson (Michael) of Olathe, KS; Craig Whited (Renata) of Happy Valley, OR; Jason Dailey (Tiffany) of Austin, TX; Justin Dailey (Megan) of Carrollton, TX; and Angela Lanneau (George) of South Lyon, MI; and seven great grandchildren - Samantha, Jack, and Luke Wilson; Nadia and Adrian Whited; and Alex and Nicole Lanneau. In addition, he will be remembered by many students, church members, and friends. He will be missed.
Funeral Services will be at Rader Funeral Home in James’ long term home of Longview, TX Tuesday, June 21 at 2:00 pm followed by burial at Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Visitation is at the funeral home Monday, June 20 at 5:00-7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in James’ honor to the charity or church of your choice.
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