James "Jim" Walter Anderson
(March 15, 1930 - June 17, 2017)


Jim passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in the comfort of his bed at home in Ottawa. Jim was born in Montreal to Hazel Middlemiss and Walter Anderson. He met the love of his life, Edna Dare, at a dance at the Black Watch Armoury. They were married 61 years and happily raised 5 children. Jim followed the family military tradition and served as an air raid warden in Montreal during WWll and later dedicated 17 years in the militia. In his early years, Jim was on the militia cross-country ski team and was an award winning marksman. He spent eight years with the Black Watch as a Sergeant he commissioned to Second Lieutenant and transferred to the Royal Montreal Regiment. As a Captain he commanded an active service unit during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962-63. He then returned to the RMR as a Regimental Adjutant and retired as a Major and Company Commander. Jim also had a life-long career with a soils engineering firm. He spent 18 years conducting fieldwork including surveying, geotechnical drilling and sampling, soils labs and worked as a field job manager. He was most proud of his marine jobs as these were quite tricky as well as dangerous. In 1970, Jim transferred into the office where he worked a draughtsman until he retired in 1990 after 37 years with the same company. Jim had an incredible memory and was an engaging story-teller who thankfully would regale us with his hair-raising experiences and humorous exploits from these earlier days. Over the years the family lived both in Quebec and Ontario. “The Farm” at Anderson’s Corners, Quebec was a special gathering point for the Anderson clan. They moved to Ontario to purchase the Riverside Motel and then to Iroquois. Upon retirement, Jim and Edna spent winters in Florida and summers sailing the St Lawrence River. Jim was an avid sailor throughout his life. He built his first boat at the age of 11 and purchased his last at the age of 86. A true Pisces, Jim loved the water, was loyal, generous, compassionate and hard working and he could fix just about anything. The last 5 years, Jim’s daughter Donna and her family were delighted to have his companionship in Ottawa. He was a dignified gentleman who made an impression on everyone he met. He will be sorely missed.

Jim was an adored father to Robert, Barbara, David (Roberta), Donna (Obbe) and daughter-in-law Lyne. Cherished grandfather to Susan (Patrick), Linda, Michael (Elisha), Eric (Lesley), Erin, Rohan, Hannah and Hayden and great grandfather to William, Gabrielle, Connor, Jessie, Avery, Ethan and Tyler. Brother-in-law to Phyllis, Lillian, John (Nora) and Margaret (Gerry) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his his son Steve, parents Hazel and Walter, older brother George and his beloved wife Edna who he will join again.

Memorial service and interment will take place at 1:30 pm Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Iroquois Point Cemetery (Locks). In event of rain, service at St. John’s Anglican, 41 Lakeview, Iroquois. Refreshments will follow at the Iroquois Legion, 24 Dundas St., Iroquois. Online condolences may be made at www.marsdenmclaughlin.com. Donations to The Heart and Stroke Foundation can be made in Jim's memory at www.heartandstroke.ca/get-involved/donate/in-memoriam.