James H. Anderson

James H. Anderson, 87, of Atlantic Highlands, passed away on June 19, 2021. He was born in Red Bank, N.J., to the late James H. and Margaret (Ryan) Anderson. 

Jim was a strong husband of 61 years to Priscilla, the love of his life, and a family man to his nine children. He had a quiet strength that his family depended on. Jim with his brother Walter were local business owners of Anderson Brothers, Inc., which provided for his ever-growing family. Jim instilled in his children careful decision making and a strong work ethic. His early years in the family business were spent driving tractor trailers from Maine to Florida and Coast to Coast. The beauty of the open road was where young Jim found peace. Long Sunday drives with his family were always on the itinerary. The tradition of walking on the boardwalk in Ocean Grove and Asbury Park were incorporated into this. Family vacations were always driven to, so stops along the way of his adored country could be seen. With hot dogs, buttermilk, and warnings of, “Don’t make me pull over,” that are looked upon with laughter and affection now. 

Although Jim worked hard, he was always at home with his family at 10 Sailers Way in Rumson. He had a love of trees that he shared with his family that involved planting countless ones together throughout the years. Barbeques and watching his children play in the yard always brought a smile to his face. His love of basketball and baseball stirred up many games of shooting hoops and playing catch among the family and their friends. He enjoyed bringing his family to games and watching the New York Mets on TV, giving ready knowledge of facts and stats of players from present and past. With a big heart he opened his home to all his children’s friends. There was never not room for one more burger on the grill or one more chair at the table.

He was a staunch conservative and a man of faith, passing on these values to his children. Jim renewed his vows with Priscilla at Holy Cross Church in Rumson where they were active members and raised their children with his Catholic traditions passed onto him. In later years, Jim enjoyed driving trips with Priscilla to places both familiar and unexplored. With more time he was able to find a joy in reading that was never available in his busy life before. 

Jim will be greatly missed here on earth but would want his family and friends to take comfort in knowing he is at home in heaven holding hands with Priscilla for eternity.

He was predeceased by his brother Walter Anderson, who is survived by his wife Shirley. Jim and Priscilla were devoted to each other to the very end, passing within days of each other. Jim leaves behind his loving children Jim, Kevin, Buff, Cathy, Rob, Karen, Sue, Dave and Jennifer, and many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, NJ 07701 on Friday June 25, 2021, from 4 – 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Red Bank on Saturday June 26, 2021, at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Jude.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.