James Lee Anderson

James Lee Anderson, 90, of Berrien Springs, died Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Shangrila Homes in Berrien Springs.

Per his request, his body has been donated to the University of Michigan’s Anatomical Gift Program. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Online messages for the family may be left at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

James was born May 11, 1931, in Menomonie, Wisc., to Yanz Peter and Ruth Violet (Wait) Anderson. He was a science teacher, starting in 1954 in Benton Harbor and retiring in 1993 after 36 years in both elementary and high school, of which the last 25 years were in boarding academies. He also spent three years in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa, setting up a high school science department.

Jim was a member of the International Bassist’s Society, and he played bass with the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra and the Chamber Players, as well as various community orchestras. He volunteered for WAUS Radio, Adventist Information Ministries, and as a chaplain for the former Lakeland Specialty Hospital in Berrien Center.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Lafferty) Anderson, whom he married June 15, 1952 in the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church (now the 1839 Courthouse) in Berrien Springs; his daughter, Penny Smikle (Dave); daughter-in-law, Linda Anderson; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by a son, James C. Anderson; and a brother, Bruce Anderson.