Obituary of James Alfred (Jim) Anderson

Jim Anderson Beloved James Alfred (Jim) Anderson, 83, of Girard, Pennsylvania, has gone home to be with his Heavenly Father and dear wife Carole after his lifelong challenges with various heart ailments. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends until the end. Jim was born October 25, 1940, to Eric and Althea Anderson. Growing up in a simpler time on a farm in McKean during WWII is where his strong work ethic and unyielding sense of honesty and integrity were nurtured. Jim graduated from General McLane High School in 1958 and received a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Edinboro State Teachers College, later achieving a Masters in Biological Science, and he then completed a substantive amount of coursework toward a Doctorate in Physics as well. Dad was a natural born teacher and student, never losing his sense of curiosity and love of reading and always ready with a story or a teaching moment. His future wife, Carole, was a student there at the same time but the two only met by chance the summer after graduation, when introduced by a mutual friend, Bob Schenker, who became best man in their wedding. Jim recalls that his lifelong friend Stu Morris provided a coin that he flipped 100 times to decide on asking Carole or another girl for a date. Carole lost by just one flip of the coin, but fate intervened and thus began a nearly 55 year journey down life’s path together. They were wed on June 12th, 1965. Jim dedicated over 20 years of his professional life to educating and mentoring youth, teaching math and science initially at Randolph High School near Townville, PA, later at the Erie Day School, and finally at Fairview Middle School, where he also cultivated and enjoyed the companionship of many lifelong friends. Jim was a history aficionado (and walking encyclopedia) and enjoyed studying detailed aspects of the Civil War, taking numerous trips to historic sites. Also, for the Andersons, playing cards (and golf) were lifelong hobbies they regularly enjoyed with family and their many friends. He was active in and served the community as a member of the Erie Jaycees (including one term as president), was elected to the Girard School Board, and finally was a founding member of the Committee for Open Government within the Girard Township, where he also served as treasurer. A literal “Jack of all Trades,” he and Carole spent over 45 years buying, caring for and managing rental properties, where he honed his diverse skillset (picked up from his beloved Father-in-Law, Joe Felege) in general carpentry, roofing, painting, and HVAC. Towering above all his jobs and side hustles, his hobbies, and all of the myriad family menagerie were his beloved children, Beth, Matt and Eric as well as grandchildren Micah and Madison. The Andersons especially loved traveling, and spent their retirement wintering at their home in Florida as well as time each July with their children and grandchildren in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, or on various road trips and cruises. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carole, parents, and his dear brothers Art and Leroy. He is survived by his three children, Beth, Matt, and Eric and his two grandchildren, Micah and Madison Anderson who deeply loved “Poppa Anderson”, as well as brothers Dave and Donny, sister Janet, various brothers and sisters in law, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. A private family viewing followed by an open public viewing will be held at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Road, Erie Pa. 16506, on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 4 pm until 8 pm. A celebration of life service will be held at the Sterrettania Christian and Missionary Alliance Church on a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or local animal shelters and food banks.