James Anderson

James (Jim) Dean Anderson, age 73, of Stillwater, formerly of St. Louis Park, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 4, 2021.

James was born on July 26, 1948 in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Swedish Hospital to George, Reta and his 3 older sisters. His baby brother Scott was born a few years later. He spent his school years doing cub scouts, wrestling competitively, and driving fast cars. He made many friends in school and has maintained those relationships long term by helping with reunions, calling classmates to check-in on them and planning brunches for his classmates.

James was proud of his many careers including owning two car dealerships: “Melissa Motors”, working as a police officer, selling real estate, flying with his friend Karl, getting a degree in marketing at the University of Minnesota and doing construction with his father. He owned 10 businesses and was always “wheeling and dealing”. He never let the grass grow under his feet.  Jim did many things in his life but the thing he was most proud of was raising his three children. He was married to Deborah and had Melissa in 1984. He married Dawn in 1994 and had a second daughter, Grace. His son Andrew was born in 2011.

For fun he enjoyed talking with everyone, fishing, being outdoors, driving cars, going to car and boat shows, traveling down south, and spending time with his family. Jim was happy to be involved in the Stillwater community. He was proud to be a part of Cub Scouts as a leader and he took classes and became Catholic in 2020.

James was preceded in death by parents, George and Reta; sisters, Judy (Mike) Hole and JoAnn Anderson; and brothers-in-law, Ken Carlson and Chuck Adams.

James will be missed by his children, Melissa (Brian Peterson) Anderson, Grace (Timothy) Anderson-Smitley, and Andrew James Anderson-Zhong; granddaughter, Arabella; siblings, Jean Carlson and Scott Anderson; and many other family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, December 17 at 11am with visitation one hour prior at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 423 5th St S, Stillwater. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Memorials preferred.