James Harry Anderson

Anderson, James Harry August 30, 1927 - March 11, 2024 Jim had a rich and full life filled with family and fun, accomplishments and activities. Born in Minneapolis, he graduated from Washburn High School in 1945 and from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1952. He was proud to be a WWII veteran, having served in the US Army (Horse Cavalry) 1945-47 and stationed in Japan where he picked up some of the language. In 1951 he married Marilyn Louise (Graaf) Anderson with whom he had four children Christine (1952), Richard (1955), Mark (1958) and Susan (1961). Professionally, his engineering life was spent with Minneapolis Gas Company which later became Minnegasco. His roles include Chief Engineer, Manager Minneapolis Region Operations, Administrator of Public Affairs and he retired after serving as the Director of the Minnesota Local Government Relations. He was a registered professional engineer in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. His engineering career and interest in politics resulted in several honors: Award of Merit (American Gas Association), President (Bloomington Chamber of Commerce), Who's Who in the Midwest, Councilman (City of Bloomington), Minneapolis Engineer of the Year, Chairman of the South Hennepin County Human Servies Council, and a Silver Award of Merit (American Gas Association). Jim was on the Board of Directors and/or Chairman of several organizations: International Right-of-Way Association, American Public Works Association, American Gas Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, Academy of Science Transportation Research Board Utility Committee, National Society of Professional Engineers and the Minneapolis Engineers Club. He sang from the time he was aged five, until his 80s, including PAUMC Choir and several Twin Cities barbershop organizations. He was also a proud member of Svenska Sällskapet - a private men's social club with a membership limit of 100 members. He was a frequent lecturer with the Midwest Gas Association, American Gas Association, American Public Works Association, Associated General Contractors, University of Minnesota, Minnesota Public Works Association and the Minnesota Engineers Association. He continued to give lectures at 7500 York Avenue Cooperative where he lived with Marilyn, on plate tectonics, earthquakes and underground gas storage. That being said, he was most proud of his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leilah and Harry Anderson and Dr. Lee C. Armstrong, siblings Richard, Patsy and Joel Anderson and his son Richard Allen Anderson, He is survived by his wife of 72 years Marilyn Anderson, children Chris Jones, Mark (Hatsuko) Anderson, Susan (Jim) Glover, grandchildren Chuck (Sandy) Anderson, Stephanie Anderson, Jesse Jones, Leila (Erik) Warren, Peter (Sarely) Anderson, Linnea (Joey) Glover and great grandchildren Oliver, Valentino, Hiro, Axel, Benjamin and Arthur. Services will be held at Portland Avenue United Methodist Church (PAUMC) on April 6, 10am. Memorials preferred to PAUMC or the Alzheimer's Association.

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James Harry Anderson

August 30, 1927 - March 11, 2024

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