James Anderson Obituary

Colonel James Robert Anderson, United States Air Force (USAF, Retired)
1 Oct 1930 – 2 July 2025
With equally great measures of sadness and pride, we announce the passing of James "Jim" Robert Anderson. A highly decorated veteran, pillar of his community, husband, father of seven, grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of 12. He passed peacefully in his sleep next to his wife of over 69 years, Mary Emma (Nichols) Anderson, at the age of 94 on the 2nd of July 2025.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Joseph Anderson, mother, Margaret (Hogue) Anderson, and beloved sister Margaret "Peggy" Hannigan.
Colonel Jim Anderson served his nation for over 31 years in the USAF shortly after it was born out of the United States Army with four combat tours during the Vietnam War and extensive experience at the operational and strategic levels during the Cold War. A command pilot with over 10 years and thousands of hours in the KC-135 Stratotanker and C-130A Hercules, he was the recipient of numerous military decorations including the unusual honor of being twice awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, the nation's 6th highest military honor.
Continuing his legacy of service after his extensive military career, he was a long-time parishioner, lectern, eucharistic minister and president of the parish council at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, LaPlata, MD and President of the Charles County, MD Board of elections for over a decade protecting the bi-partisan integrity of our democratic process.
His legacy lives on in the family that love and survive him including his beloved wife Mary, sister Kathleen Donohue, his children; Moira Anderson, Leslie Wagner, Alicia Peterson (Mark), Laura Bruce (Robert), Catherine Lavery (Marc), Patricia West (JR), and James Garth Anderson (Nurit). Grandchildren; Brett West, Jamie Finn, Callen Wagner, Nathan Wagner, Lindsey Wagner, Courtney Rogers, Jordyn Cavnar, Mary Rizman, Margaret Simpson, Samuel Lavery, Alexander Anderson, Nicholas Bruce, Hannah Anderson, and James Benjamin Anderson. Great Grandchildren; Luke Wagner, Gwen Wagner, Vera Wagner, William Rizman, John Simpson, Patrick Simpson, Emma Simpson, Aaliyah Garrison, Harper Anderson, Emery Rogers, Ada Rogers, and Severin Rogers, along with too many beloved extended lifelong family and friends to mention!
Services will be on July 15th at St. Catherine's of Alexandria Catholic Church, 7865 Port Tobacco Road, MD 20677, with a family song/eulogy 9:30am-9:55, Mass at 10am followed by burial in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery at 401 St. Mary's Avenue, LaPlata, MD 20646. There will be a reception immediately following the Rite of Committal at the Greene Turtle 6 St Mary's Avenue, LaPlata, MD 20646 from 1200-2pm.