In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite Jim Anderson, 87

Longtime Rumsonite James H. Anderson, more recently of Atlantic Highlands, passed away on June 19. He was 87.

Jim Anderson
Photo/loved ones via John E. Day Funeral Home

Although Jim worked hard, he was always at home with his family at 10 Sailers Way in Rumson. He had a love of trees that he shared with his family that involved planting countless ones together throughout the years. Barbeques and watching his children play in the yard always brought a smile to his face. His love of basketball and baseball stirred up many games of shooting hoops and playing catch among the family and their friends.
He enjoyed bringing his family to games and watching the New York Mets on TV, giving ready knowledge of facts and stats of players from present and past.
With a big heart, he opened his home to all his children’s friends. There was never not room for one more burger on the grill or one more chair at the table.

Loved ones of Jim Anderson in his obituary

He was born in Red Bank, N.J., to the late James H. and Margaret (Ryan) Anderson. 

Jim was the husband of 61 years to Priscilla, the love of his life. Together, they raised nine children. “He had a quiet strength that his family depended on,” family said in his obituary.

Jim with his brother Walter were local business owners of Anderson Brothers, Inc.. “Jim instilled in his children careful decision making and a strong work ethic,” family said.

His early years in the family business were spent driving tractor trailers from Maine to Florida and east to west coast.

“The beauty of the open road was where young Jim found peace. Long Sunday drives with his family were always on the itinerary. The tradition of walking on the boardwalk in Ocean Grove and Asbury Park were incorporated into this. Family vacations were always driven to, so stops along the way of his adored country could be seen with hot dogs, buttermilk, and warnings of, ‘Don’t make me pull over!’ that are looked upon with laughter and affection now …

In later years, Jim enjoyed driving trips with Priscilla to places both familiar and unexplored. With more time he was able to find a joy in reading that was never available in his busy life before. Jim will be greatly missed here on earth but would want his family and friends to take comfort in knowing he is at home in heaven holding hands with Priscilla for eternity.

Loved ones of Jim Anderson in his obituary

Jim was predeceased by his brother, Walter Anderson, who is survived by his wife Shirley. Jim and Priscilla were devoted to each other to the very end, passing within days of one another.

Jim leaves behind: his loving children, Jim, Kevin, Buff, Cathy, Rob, Karen, Sue, Dave and Jennifer; and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank, on Friday June 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. A mass of christian burial will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Red Bank on Saturday, June 26, at noon. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. After that, family and friends are invited to a reception at Shore Casino, Atlantic Highlands, from 2:30 to 5:30.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Jude.

— Edited obituary provided by loved ones via John E. Day Funeral Home