Dec. 15, 1958-Jan. 28, 2023
After a lifetime defined by deep dedication to his family, Jim Anderson, 64, passed away on Jan. 28, 2023, in St. George, Utah, after a valiant fight against cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children, who so tenderly and meticulously cared for him until the end.
Jim was born in Stockton, California, on Dec. 15, 1958, to Don and Charmaine Anderson. His childhood was filled with backpacking trips with his dad, brothers and brother-in-law, playing basketball, boy scouts, family reunions in Idaho and working a paper route. Jim served an LDS mission in Kentucky. He attended BYU and Utah Technical College (UVU) in Provo where he studied banking and finance.
Jim married Gayle Van Valkenburg on June 9, 1982, and they had one child together, Jamie. Although they later divorced, Jim remained a part of his daughter’s life and loved spending time with her on adventures in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Jim married Julie Mitchell Adams on May 9, 1992. From day one, Jim stepped in as a loving father to Julie’s children, Jaechon and Jayden, giving them a beautiful, stable childhood and life. He was an amazing dad, the most devoted husband, and a remarkably honest and stoic man. He was a foundational pillar for his family, one that held them all up, one that will never be replaced.
Jim enjoyed a successful career in finance and also endeavored in many entrepreneurial adventures with his wife. No matter the project, Jim was always up for the challenge, and they made a phenomenal team. He and Julie created a lifetime of memories as they worked together to buy, remodel and sell various ventures and homes. In turn, he impacted all those who came in contact with his kind, reliable service to the community.
Jim enjoyed traveling with his family and was able to see some of the most beautiful corners of the world. Jim was a loyal Utah Jazz fan and lover of grocery shopping, always throwing anything labeled as “new” into the cart. He was an animal lover, and among many cats and dogs, also cared for his beehive and frilled dragon — two hobbies he developed later in his life.
Although he had many other talents and interests, Jim will be most remembered for his knack for making everyone he met feel welcome, comfortable and cared for. He had an incredible sense of humor that could instantly change a bad day into one with laughter. He spent every day loving and putting his people first. His guidance, insight, and unconditional love will be so very missed.
Jim is survived by his best friend and wife of 30 years Julie and their children Jaechon and Jayden; his daughter and son-in-law Jamie and Stephen Mortensen and their children Landon, Levi, Logan and Lucas; his brother and sister Jeff Anderson and Bonnie Nichol; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Michael Anderson and his sister Cherie Hamrick.
The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Terence Rhodes and Jen, and all the nurses at the oncology infusion center who made this very difficult journey easier to bear. A private memorial service will be held in Jim’s honor on Friday, Feb. 10, at the family’s home. In lieu of flowers, his family asks you to donate in Jim’s memory to The Humane Society of Utah or Minkahz NETs Mission. Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings. https://everloved.com/life-of/jim-anderson-saint-george-ut/obituary/?flow=201.
Learn more about Jim on the Van Valkenburg Family History website:
