James Harrell Anderson

James Harrell Anderson was born at home in Cotton Gin, Texas on September 15, 1931. He grew up in a sharecropper family of seven children and plowed the last field with a team in 1949. He was recently asked if he thought he could still harness a team to which he replied, “You bet!”. He graduated from Mexia High School in 1949 where he played the French Horn and loved marching in the band at the games. His senior year his family moved to Hillsboro. James hitchhiked from Hillsboro to Mexia each day for the rest of his senior year so he could graduate from Mexia High School. This past weekend marked his 75th homecoming celebration. He passed away in his home of 65 years at the age of 93 on November 3, 2024.

James married Dorothy Janette Daily on February 8, 1951, and they had four children. He worked for A-Brandt Company for 28 years, then worked at Sears and retired from the Texas Department of Corrections. He loved spending time with family at birthdays, holidays and get-togethers at Lake Mexia, always enjoying good food and drink. He coached little league baseball and he and Dorothy attended every sport and school function they could for both their children and grandchildren. He loved watching the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and enjoyed playing golf. When he could no longer play golf and needed a little assistance walking, he used one of his golf clubs as his walking cane.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years and one day, Dorothy, parents C.D. (Commodore) and Freddie (Battles) Anderson, son Gerry Don, son in-law Duane, granddaughter Amanda, four sisters and a brother.

He is survived by daughter Valerie Anderson of Mexia, son James and daughter in-law Susan Anderson of Mexia, daughter Angie Pippin of Denton, and sister Carolyn Rawlings of Hillsboro. He is also survived by grandchildren Paige, Cody, Windy, Rick, Micah, Brooke, and great-grandchildren Chapin, Peyton, Tatum, Palmer and Hollin who all affectionately knew him as their “Grandaddy”.

We find comfort in knowing that his passing reunites him with his beloved Dorothy where he once again will walk with her holding her hand with one hand and carrying her purse for her in the other hand.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mexia Public Schools Museum 616 N. Red River, Mexia, Texas 76667 (Attention: Ron Capehart) or the charity of your choice.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Ridgepark Cemetery in Hillsboro, TX with Reverend Marcus Sheffield officiating.

Visitation with the family will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.