Jim Anderson

James LeRoy “Jim” Anderson, 78, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, with his beloved family by his side. Born on October 8, 1946, in Jennings, Louisiana, Jim was the son of Claude and Jane Whitman Anderson. He was raised in Elton, LA, where he spent his summers helping on the family rice farm - early roots that would grow into a lifelong love for the outdoors and agriculture.

Jim was married for 55 years to the love of his life, Pauline Dupre’ Anderson. Together, they built a life full of laughter, hospitality, and unforgettable memories. Jim never met a stranger. His outgoing nature, quick wit, and gift for storytelling made him the heart of every room. He had a terrific memory and a well-known talent for making people feel welcome, especially during his legendary Super Bowl parties.

He graduated from Elton High School and attended college in Cheyenne, Wyoming before transferring to LSU. Drafted into the U.S. Army, Jim served bravely in the infantry during the Vietnam conflict. After returning home, he completed his education at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, where he was also a proud member of the McNeese Rodeo Team and earned his degree in Horticulture. He was a past Master Mason with the Rudolph Krause Masonic Lodge #433, and a proud member of the Vietnam Veterans Association, Chapter 1098.

Jim dedicated his career to teaching and mentoring. He worked as Farm Manager for the DeQuincy Correctional Institute before joining the Calcasieu Parish School Board, where he taught horticulture at the Calcasieu Parish School of Technology until his retirement.

Jim was a devout Catholic, being a parishioner of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church. One could easily find him on Sunday at 7:00 AM mass, where he was a Lay Eucharistic Minister.

He had a deep love for the outdoors, particularly squirrel and deer hunting in Kisatchie National Forest, and an even deeper love for cooking. His Chuck Roast Rice & Gravy, Gumbo, Brisket, and Amaretto Pound Cake were famous among family and friends. He also had a deep love for Cajun Music and Country Classics.

Jim Anderson will be remembered as a devoted husband, loyal friend, gifted teacher, and a man who truly never met a stranger. His legacy lives on in the stories he told, the meals he shared, and the lives he touched.

Those left to cherish his memory are, his beloved wife of 55 years, Pauline Dupre’ Anderson; his sons, Andy Anderson (Charmaine), Rusty Anderson and Billy Anderson (Kayla); his grandchildren, Jacob, Amelia, Ava, Arley and Alivia; and his brother, Richard Anderson (Sue); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Jane; and his uncle, Roy Anderson (Bonnie).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025 in St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, with Msgr. Harry Greig serving as Celebrant. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Friday, May 9, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel, 4321 Lake St, with a Cursillo Rosary being recited at 6:00 PM. Burial will be scheduled for a later date at China Cemetery in Elton, LA under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.