James L Anderson

James L. Anderson “Andy” – 81 – passed away peacefully at home on October 26, 2006 following a lengthy illness. He was born June 8, 1925 to Eugenia B. Scott Anderson and Leslie E. Anderson in Jacksonburg, WV. He graduated from Washington Irving High School, Clarksburg, WV in 1943. Following graduation he was employed with the Office of the Surgeon General in Washington, D.C. and later followed three brothers into the Army. Mr. Anderson served in the United States Army during World War II and was stationed at the Panama Canal and Peru. He re-enlisted in 1948 with intentions of making it a lifetime career, however, an injury and medical disability changed that. His employment with the White Sands Proving Grounds (now White Sands Missile Range) brought him and his family from Pennsylvania to El Paso in 1956. He later joined NASA and worked for 10 years on the Gemini and Apollo programs. He then made a career change and became employed by Sears where he helped open the Dyer Street store in 1966 and remained until its closing. He then transferred to the Cielo Vista store and remained there until his retirement in 1988. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister Mary Higgins; brothers Edwin, Walter, Herman and Robert and by great grandson Jason Tyler Newling. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Barbara “Jean” Anderson; son Aaron D. Anderson and wife Dawn of Fort Davis, TX; daughter Debra Pokluda and husband Vince of Santa Teresa, NM; daughter Patricia Richardson of Crockett, TX and by his brother Jack D. Anderson of El Paso, TX. He has 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff at Sierra Medical Center and Mesilla Valley Hospice with special thanks to Oncologist, Dr. Jesus Gomez of El Paso. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Mesilla Valley Hospice of Las Cruces. Visitation will be Sunday, October 29 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass; Funeral Service will be at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast on Monday, October 30 at 12 Noon with burial with military honors immediately following at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast. Please visit online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.com.