James Walter “Jim” Anderson, 87 of Russell, Kansas, died Thursday September 20, 2012 at the Rush County Memorial Hospital in LaCrosse, Kansas.

Jim was born May 20, 1925 in Concordia, Kansas, the second son of Floyd L. And mary Agnes (Burch) Anderson.  He grew up in Concordia and graduated from  Concordia High School in 1943.

Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943.  He was a staff sergeant in the 94th Infantry Regiment.  He was assigned to the European Theater of war.  After his military service, Jim returned to Concordia.

Jim was united in marriage to Norma Jean Gagna on October 14, 1946.  This union was blessed with a son, David.  They made their home in Russell, Kansas.

Jim was working at the Concordia Press during high school and before the war.  Then after his marriage he started working for the Russell Daily News.  Jim worked at the paper for nearly 40 years before retiring in 1987.  He then worked with his son at the Anderson Aerial Spraying. 

Jim was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Russell.  He was very active in the Knights of Columbus as a 3rd Degree and 4th Degree.  He served on the Council 3034, Past Grand Knight and was Past Faithful Navigator.  He also served on the state level as a District  Deputy, state publicity chairman and editor of the State Council newspaper, Knights Lite.  In 1976 he was elected state advocate, then secretary, state deputy, state ceremonials chairman, State Master and Knights Lite Editor . He was a life member of the Russell V.F. W. Post #6240.

Surviving family include his wife of 65 years, Norma Jean of the home; son, David Anderson (Lisa) of Russell, Kansas; brothers, Roy Anderson and Elton Anderson both of Concordia, Kansas; sisters, Frances Hall of Wichita, Kansas and Virginia Moss of Delphos, Kansas; two granddaughters, Tiffinie Mai and Tammie Becker; and three great grandchildren, Lane Mai, Braden Mai and Bailey Becker.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Barbara, Florence and Dorothy Ann and brothers, Charles, Floyd Jr. and Robert.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, September 24, 2012 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell with Military Rites being conducted by the Russell V.F.W. Post # 6240 Honor Guard.  Visitation will be from Noon to 5 P.M. at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary on Sunday, September 23, 2012.  A Vigil will be held at 7 PM Sunday at St. Mary’s Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  Memorials have been established with the Rush County Nursing Home and the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.