James T. Anderson

Deacon James T. Anderson, 70, Wahpeton, N.D., passed away Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011 at St. Francis Healthcare Campus, Breckenridge, MN. James Thomas Anderson was born Sept. 21, 1940, in Breckenridge, Minn., the son of Simon and Genevieve (Dietz) Anderson. He attended school at St. John's Elementary School. He graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1959. He entered the US Marines where he served for the next 20 years receiving the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon among other citations and served as Drill Instructor throughout his tenure. After his Honorable Discharge he settled in Cottonwood, where he married Theresa Walker in 1981. He worked at a Home Center and Lumber Yard until he retired in 2003. During this time he became a Permanent Deacon of the Catholic Church. Theresa and Jim moved to Wahpeton in 2008 where he currently served as Deacon with St. John's Catholic Church. Jim's passion was making rosaries, which he gave to military chaplains to share with U.S. troops. He enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing and gardening. Jim was an avid student of the Big Band Era remembering trivia from that time span. Jim is survived by his wife Theresa Anderson, Wahpeton, ND; three step children: Daniel Walker, Roy, WA; Sabrina (Sam) Alvey, Glasgow, KY; Johnny (Monya) Walker, Magnolia, KY; six step grandchildren, and four step great-grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, and his two brothers, Monsignor John Anderson and Charles Anderson. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, November 14 at 11 AM in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Chapel.