James Dee Anderson, our beloved father, grandfather and brother passed away peacefully Sunday, June 2nd 2024 at the age of 65. James (Jim) was born on December 25th 1958 in Kanab, Utah to James and Gailia Anderson. He was the third of six kids and the only boy. Jim lived the majority of his life in Kanab, UT with a few short years spent in Cedar City as a child. He loved growing up in Kanab and was proud to be from here. Jim learned from an early age the appreciation and wonder of the great outdoors from his father. He continued to forever expand his knowledge and exploration, sharing it with his family, friends and anyone else who was up for an adventure and to wander in his ‘backyard’.
Jim was very active, he loved experiencing and learning different things, holding many jobs throughout his life. As a kid he had the opportunity to be an extra in a few western movies filmed in Kane County, including Gunsmoke and Bionic Boy. He was a river guide for many years down the Grand Canyon. He was on the Search and Rescue crew, an EMT and a firefighter for Kane County. Jim cut stone for the rock shop here in town, did cabinetry for a few years then worked at Glazier’s Market where he was a friendly face, greeting and talking to everyone who came in, sharing stories and his adventures. Lastly, Jim was a tour guide, an avid hiker and canyoneer- his favorite pastime.
Jim was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He had a great love for his Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. He held many callings and loved to serve those around him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Gailia Anderson and his sister Christine Anderson. He is survived by his sweetheart, Peggie A. Allen, sisters, Galia (Robert) Burrows, Louise (Kenny) Talbot, Ann (Glen) Eaton, Jean (Robert) Kerns, his children, Jon (Taylor) Anderson, Brandi (Linc) Bundy, Sari (Darren) McDonald, James (Nicole) Anderson, Lyndee (Luke) Larsen, Layne (Devyn) Anderson, Jessi Anderson, Rylee Anderson, 17 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was loved by many and will be missed by everyone. His children want to thank everyone for being a part of his life, showing them so much kindness and sharing their stories through these hard times.
There will be a viewing Friday, June 7th from 6-7pm and Saturday, June 8th from 9am-10:45am with funeral services following at 11am held at the Kanab Stake Center located at 20 W Center St.
A livestream of the funeral can be watched the day of the service at the following link:
jim left this life taking alot of his hidden hikes thst only he found them. he loved life. he was a great friendly man
Jim was a great friend. When I moved to Kanab near me over 40 years ago to open a salon, he was so kind and readily took me in to his group of friends so that I had friends. We continued to be friends for many years.
I met him when he was in High School and bussing tables at Parry Lodge. I loved working with him. He was great at his job. He turned out to be pretty good guy❤️
We met Jim in 2003 when we were building our new home, he helped install our cabinets and was our neighbor in town while that home was being built. He ‘always’ had a smile and few minutes to tell a story or just visit for a minute. You couldn’t go into Glazier’s without taking a few minutes to catch up on his last ‘wander’. If he did that with everyone, I don’t know how he kept his job? I will miss him and our few minutes together when we shopped. Adios my friend, Jim
Jim was a Good Man. He was kind and welcoming to all. His friendly smile was second to none. He will certainly be missed in our community. What a great example he is to all who knew him. Tight hugs to his loved ones.
Jim, I will always remember you as a great Friend. You were always quick with the jokes and making everyone life.
Your wealth of knowledge of the outdoors (your backyard) was incredible!
Thank you for leaving us all with great memories.
You will never be forgotten in my book my friend.
Find some fun adventures to take us on when we meet again..
Fly high with the Eagles my Friend!
A giant of a man in spirit and embodied graciousness and kindness. He will be greatly missed.
Jim will be missed by so many! He was such a fun and friendly man, always finding the good or some reason to laugh about any situation.
I loved sitting with him at sporting events watching our kids and chatting.
I’ll never forget how he talked me into repelling a very small cliff for the first time. He laughed with me when I wanted to go again.
I will miss my friend’s advice, sarcasm, and just knowing he was always there.
I meet Jim at a singles event and became great friends. After chatting a bit we discovered he knew my late husband from Beaver, through wresting. We talked smack a little about our favorite teams, who was the best Beaver or Kanab.
❤️till we meet again. Hope he finds Brad in heaven and tells him we have met .
P. S. Thanks Jim for taking me to see hearts vein. It was truly my favorite hike.
Jim was such a wonderful man and will be missed. So sorry we missed the services but we truly honor his life.