James Walter Anderson

James Walter Anderson passed away on Sunday January 14, 2024 at his winter residence in Sebring, Florida.  Jim was 88 years old.  The son of Spencer and Margaret (Sharron) Anderson.  He was born October 2,1935 in Munising, Michigan.  Over his lifetime Jim had several careers; He work at the Munising Bottle Works, Munising Wooden Ware and for over 35 years he worked for the Kimberly Clark Corporation in Munising , Michigan.  He held numerous positions over that time span, but ended his time there working in the Engineering Department as an "oiler".  As the years went by people would ask him what he did for a living and he would simply reply, "Oh I'm in Oil" and leave it like that!  That's just who Jim was, tougher than a boiled owl.  Jim loved sports and took part in ski jumping, golfing, bowling. fishing and hunting.  He loved the outdoors and spent time in his garden and riding his side by side around 16 Mile Lake visiting friends.  He also enjoyed making his own home-made wines and then would share the harvest with friends and family.  Jim and his wife Joan have spent the last 45 years at their beautiful home on 16 Mile Lake entertaining the community.  As people would come by on their pontoons they would yell" Is the Bar Open" and before you knew it the deck was full.  It got so busy at times Jim decided to have a keg on the deck to cut down on overhead.  So, Jim sorta ended up the Mayor of the lake and everyone stopped to have a cold one on their beautiful deck overlooking the lake.  Then it was time to discuss current events, also known blowing the breeze, ect.  For the past 5 years Jim had a pet chipmunk he named "crooked tail".  That little fella would visit Jim every day.  If Jim was not on the deck, crooked tail would knock on the picture window until Jim came outside.  He would sit on Jim's hands, legs, and arms for hours on end.  Crooked Tail would allow just about everyone to pet him between trips to the peanut jar that he went inside of.   Great entertainment and free beer.  Doesn't get any better at the Mayor's house and the deck was often full.  Chippy made Jim's day and they were best of buds.  Chippy is going to miss Jimmy, but I am sure Joan will keep the peanut jar full. So if you needed a tool , some advice, some help, or a cold beer you could always count on the Mayor!  He was truly loved by all of his neighbors, and he loved them too. He will be missed, but our memories are forever.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Joan of 45 years; son Mark Anderson of Florida; daughter Jodie  Willis (Willard) Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; brothers Robert Anderson (Sally) The Villages , Florida; Harold Anderson (Nancy) of Negaunee, Michigan.  Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents Spencer and Margaret; brother Ted Anderson; sisters Gladys Crane and Florance Culbus ; his daughter Kelly and grandson Joshua James.

A celebration of life will take place when Joan returns to her home at 16 Mile Lake later this year.  She will remain in Sebring until May.

Condolances may be made to the family at https://www.stephensonnelsonfh.com/obituary/james-anderson