Obituary for Reverend James W. "Jim" Anderson Jr.
The quintessential small town dad, community activist and volunteer, Reverend James W. Anderson, Jr. died just three days following his 80th birthday, on 16 August, 2022.
Jim and his wife, Dr. Lee Anderson, moved to Kennebunk, Maine in 2002, where he served as pastor for several churches in Southern Maine. He was incredibly active in his new community from day one, preaching at Christ Church, volunteering weekly at the food pantry and serving on the board at the local library, in addition to countless other community service groups. A source of unwavering support to those in need, he ensured a safe space for members of all marginalized communities, making certain he was readily available to help when called. With his naturally outgoing personality, he never met a stranger and would easily talk to any and all about whatever subject was at hand. Pastor Jim often said moving to Maine was the best decision they ever made.
Born in Lansing, Michigan, Jim attended Michigan State University where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduating, he accepted a position with IBM in upstate New York where he worked for 28 years. “Big Jim” and Lee lived in New Paltz, NY where they raised their blended family of 5 children. He served as a Troop Leader for the Boy Scouts, coached his daughters in softball, and took the family on many, many camping trips. After taking an early retirement from IBM, he surprised everyone with a radical career change by enrolling at New York Theological Seminary where he earned a Master’s degree in Divinity, and spent the next 30 years of his life serving God and his community.
With his roots firmly planted at home, it was his wife Lee who introduced him to a life of travel. Reluctant at first, he quickly became a world traveler in his own right. Together they drove across America, explored China, the Middle East and Europe extensively, losing count of how many countries were stamped in their passports. His favorite trip of all was hiking El Camino de Santiago, where he and Lee trekked 500 miles across northern Spain. Together they truly saw the world, hiking and backpacking while still able, and then a bit more leisurely in the later years, if by “leisurely” you mean a journey to the Arctic Circle.
At the end of every adventure, no matter where, he was always happy to come home to Maine.
Reverend James W. Anderson, Jr. is survived by his wife, Lee, and 5 children, Kristina Skalski-Merrill, James Anderson, III (Carolyn Smith), Shelly Bliden (Barry), Dave Bloch Anderson, and Erika Anderson (Jeffrey Small). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren to date.
Visitation will be at Bibber’s Funeral Home in Kennebunk on Thursday, August 25, 4-6pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Christ Church on Dane St.m Kennebunk, on Friday, August 26, at 11am with a reception immediately following the service in the social room of Christ Church.
For those who wish to attend the memorial service remotely, you may follow the following Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83654574551.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Outreach Services, PO Box 1175 Kennebunk, ME 04043, so that we can continue to feed the hungry of the community as Pastor Jim did for so many years.
Jim and his wife, Dr. Lee Anderson, moved to Kennebunk, Maine in 2002, where he served as pastor for several churches in Southern Maine. He was incredibly active in his new community from day one, preaching at Christ Church, volunteering weekly at the food pantry and serving on the board at the local library, in addition to countless other community service groups. A source of unwavering support to those in need, he ensured a safe space for members of all marginalized communities, making certain he was readily available to help when called. With his naturally outgoing personality, he never met a stranger and would easily talk to any and all about whatever subject was at hand. Pastor Jim often said moving to Maine was the best decision they ever made.
Born in Lansing, Michigan, Jim attended Michigan State University where he earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduating, he accepted a position with IBM in upstate New York where he worked for 28 years. “Big Jim” and Lee lived in New Paltz, NY where they raised their blended family of 5 children. He served as a Troop Leader for the Boy Scouts, coached his daughters in softball, and took the family on many, many camping trips. After taking an early retirement from IBM, he surprised everyone with a radical career change by enrolling at New York Theological Seminary where he earned a Master’s degree in Divinity, and spent the next 30 years of his life serving God and his community.
With his roots firmly planted at home, it was his wife Lee who introduced him to a life of travel. Reluctant at first, he quickly became a world traveler in his own right. Together they drove across America, explored China, the Middle East and Europe extensively, losing count of how many countries were stamped in their passports. His favorite trip of all was hiking El Camino de Santiago, where he and Lee trekked 500 miles across northern Spain. Together they truly saw the world, hiking and backpacking while still able, and then a bit more leisurely in the later years, if by “leisurely” you mean a journey to the Arctic Circle.
At the end of every adventure, no matter where, he was always happy to come home to Maine.
Reverend James W. Anderson, Jr. is survived by his wife, Lee, and 5 children, Kristina Skalski-Merrill, James Anderson, III (Carolyn Smith), Shelly Bliden (Barry), Dave Bloch Anderson, and Erika Anderson (Jeffrey Small). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren to date.
Visitation will be at Bibber’s Funeral Home in Kennebunk on Thursday, August 25, 4-6pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Christ Church on Dane St.m Kennebunk, on Friday, August 26, at 11am with a reception immediately following the service in the social room of Christ Church.
For those who wish to attend the memorial service remotely, you may follow the following Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83654574551.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Community Outreach Services, PO Box 1175 Kennebunk, ME 04043, so that we can continue to feed the hungry of the community as Pastor Jim did for so many years.