The obituary, shown below, was copied from
https://www.debaptiste.com/obituary/james-anderson
(it may or may not still be available there)
In
Loving Memory
James Louis Anderson
February 7, 1936 - February 6, 2023
U.S. VETERAN
James (Jimmy) Louis Anderson, son of the late Ralph and Viola Murray Anderson, was born on February 7, 1936 in West Chester, PA. He entered into eternal peace on February 6, 2023.
Jimmy was reared in London Grove and Toughkenamon, PA. He received his early education at Unionville Elementary School and attended Kennett High School. Upon leaving high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. Jimmy was extremely proud to be one of few chosen to serve in the Honor Guard. While stationed in Germany, he had the privilege of guarding President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Upon Honorable Discharge from the army and returning home, he was a member of the crew responsible for the construction of the Tide Water Oil Company in Delaware City, Delaware. He worked in the mushroom industry, and after 29 years of working as a “Checker” at Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville, PA, he retired.
In his early years he attended Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Zion Church in Avondale, PA, and New Garden U.A.M.E. Church in Kennett Square, PA. Most recently, he faithfully enjoyed worshipping and praising God at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester, PA.
Jimmy was genuine! There was nothing pretentious about him, what you saw, was who he was. He was a true gentleman. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was kind and caring with a friendly, fun loving personality. Because of his genuine love for people, it was said that he “never met a stranger”. Once you engaged in a conversation with him it seemed like you had known each other forever. He had a heart of gold, and was always ready to help others. If you needed a hand with anything, he would offer two. He was also funny, had a warm smile, contagious laugh, and a special knack for teasing, that made children laugh and want to be in his presence. None of them would leave their encounters without a special invitation to share some of his “leather cream”.
Gifted with a phenomenal memory, he was a history buff of Black Families and Communities in the Southern Chester County area. He could connect the dots and take you down the trail of families, immediate and extended, from older generations to current ones. He hobbies included photography, golf, collecting Hess Trucks, framing pictures, working in his yard, and the love for his cars.
Jimmy is a member of The Birdie Club, and was a former member of Hope Chatham Masonic Lodge, #40, Prince Hall Affiliated, Kennett Square, PA, and the West Goshen Lions Club, West Chester, PA.
He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 56 years, Kathryn Loper Anderson, a sister Shirley Palmer of San Francisco, CA, and uncle Robert Loper of West Chester, PA, Goddaughters Tomika Barnett and Jill Vincolato, Godsons Eugene Ayton and Corey Anderson, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was predeceased by his brother Ralph Anderson.
Lovingly and Sorrowfully submitted by the family.