Rev. Dr. James William Anderson

July 16, 1930 - October 26, 2021

Rev. Dr. James “Jim” was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at the age of 91. He was born in Chicago, IL and resided in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Jim graduated from Austin Theological Seminary with his Bachelor of Divinity and was ordained in 1955 by the Presbyterian Church in the United States the predecessor to the current Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). In his ministry Rev. Dr. Anderson served over eight congregations often multiple “yoked” settings. He received special training as a “problem solver” to assist congregations in conflict and was well known for his proficiency in Presbyterian history and polity. Those congregations included Benton, LA, Rocky Mount, LA, (Red River Presbytery; Pittsboro Presbyterian Church (Orange Presbytery), Lockhart Presbyterian Church, Lockhart, S.C. (Trinity Presbytery), Ponchatoula Presbyterian Church (later renamed to First Presbyterian Ponchatoula) also yoked with Albany and Hungarian Presbyterian Churches (Presbytery of South Louisiana), First Presbyterian Lafayette, LA, (Presbytery of the Pines), Trinity Presbyterian Church, Lafayette, LA (Presbytery of the Pines) from which Jim retired due to major surgeries on his eyes. Rev. Dr. Anderson answered the Lord’s call to reentered service once again after regular Sunday morning worship at Madisonville Presbyterian Church (Presbytery of South Louisiana). He was named Pastor Emeritus at Albany Hungarian Presbyterian Church in August 2014. Rev. Dr. Anderson received his Doctor of Theology from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1976. His nurturing spirit helped ensure local seniors had affordable housing. Jim was instrumental as a director on the foundation board of Westminster properties. Jim was active with the Ponchatoula Rotary club receiving the Paul Harris Fellowship Award 1995. He believed in training a child in the way they should go. Jim received the Silver Beaver award from Istrouma Area Council of Boys Scouts. Jim was a historian who enjoyed reading and researching history and science. He documented local Presbyterian history including Hungarian Immigration with Rev. Bartus. He was an avid reader and loved astronomy, but science fiction as well. Rev. Dr. Anderson had a beautiful soul that will be missed by all who was impacted by his selfless and caring love. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Carroll W. Anderson; son, James C. Anderson; daughter-in-law, Shahla Fataliyeva-Anderson; Nieces and Nephews, Suzanne Salassi Lenfant, Belinda Manson Skelly, Karen Manson Kiesewetter, Stephen Salassi, Girard Salassi, and many great nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his son, Mark C. Anderson; parents, William John Anderson and Lorie Hall Anderson Schmidt; sisters, Barbara Schmidt Manson and Marie Schmidt Salassi. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Albany Hungarian Presbyterian Church. P.O. Box 119, Albany, 70711. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation held at Albany Hungarian Presbyterian Fellowship Hall, located at 30767 Hungarian Presbyterian Rd., Albany, beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Daniel Vanek presiding. The interment will follow in the Albany Hungarian Presbyterian Church Cemetery.