Jimmy R. Anderson

Jimmy R. (Jim) Anderson, 83, passed peaceably Nov. 10, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. Jim was born at home at the small family farm in Ritzville, Wash., on Oct. 6, 1939, to Fred and Clara (Sickmann) Anderson. He was the second son following his older brother, Douglas.

The family had a series of moves: Spokane, Newport, then Ephrata, where sister Carla joined the family. Jim lived in Ephrata until 1954, when the family moved to Moses Lake. While in Ephrata, he raised his quarter horse, danced with the Silver Spurs, and generally kept an eye on his baby sister.

Moses Lake provided a wealth of lifelong friends graduating in 1958, who are still checking on each other’s welfare. Always a conscientious and hard worker, Jim worked at Safeway during high school until he joined the U. S. Army in 1961. While in the Army, he was stationed in Japan where he developed a true fondness for the Japanese people and their culture. Upon discharge from the Army, he returned to Moses Lake and resumed working for Safeway Grocery.

In the late 1960s, Japan Airlines transferred its training facility to Moses Lake. Jim found his dream job: coordinating the test flight training program and helping the Japanese personnel acclimate to the U.S. culture. Jim thoroughly enjoyed his 30-year tenure at Japan Airlines.

Jim fought cancer head-on with much dignity and consideration of the heartache his passing brought to his family and friends.

The family wishes to thank the personnel of Monroe House, Karla with Hospice and all the medical personnel during this difficult passage.

Jim is survived by his sister Carla (Morry) Landon, nephew Steve (Juana) Anderson, niece Beth (Paul) Gancarz, nephews Paul (Stacie) Landon and Scott (Tonya) Landon, stepdaughter Wendy (Blodgett) Gutierrez, several great-nieces and -nephews, longtime friend LouRhea Crapson and a multitude of friends.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.