James Anderson
James (Jim) Oscar Anderson, was born Nov. 8, 1941, to Ole J. Anderson and Doris Rundhaug Anderson in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Due to Ole’s profession as a Federal Bank Regulator they moved to several locations in Minnesota. Jim was three years old when his brother Curtis John was born. Later, Ole became ill and passed in 1947. Doris, with her two sons, moved back to Watford City, N.D. They lived with Jim’s grandmother, Mattie Aure, near Keene, N.D. In 1949, Doris married Elery Hystad from Farland Township near Arnegard, N.D. In 1950, a daughter, Virginia, was born, giving Jim and Curtis a little sister to adore.
Jim attended grades 1 through 8 at Farland Country School. He later attended Watford City Public School where he graduated in 1958. He was a young man taking two grades at the same time, entering his senior year at age 16. The family farm had a dairy operation and while he was in high school he would help milk the cows and deliver the milk to the creamery in Watford City before going to school.
Jim was an avid sports fan, and enjoyed all outdoor activities. He became proficient in archery, winning a number of competitions. Later in life, Jim was able to go on the hunt of a lifetime with family and friends, shooting a trophy elk. His love for sports and outdoor activities can be seen in his family today.
After graduating from high school, he attended NDSU/ROTC in Fargo, N.D. There, he met Carol Johnson, they were married in 1961. He was a manger of Woolworths while in Fargo and Minot, N.D. They moved to Minneapolis/White Bear Lake where he managed the produce department at Hoves Grocery Store. By this time, Jim and Carol were blessed with four beautiful children: Jim Jr. Jerry, Kelly, and Holly.
In 1979 Jim and his family moved to Alexander, N.D; to partner with his parents Elery and Doris Hystad on the farm and ranch. They raised beef cattle and small grains. Jim personally built his new home, barn and corrals at the Bird Head Ranch which bordered the Big Missouri River. While living at the ranch, they were blessed with two more children, Kristin and Scott.
In 2013, after spending 34 years in North Dakota, Jim and Carol chose to move to Belgrade, Mont. Jim enjoyed looking at the Bitterroot Mountains from their home. Here, they were close to family and able to enjoy the many activities and scenery the area provided.
In 2021, Carol and the family celebrated Jim’s 80th birthday, it was a great and memorable event for everyone.
On May 14, 2024, Jim passed away peacefully, at St. Vincent Hospital with his wife and family at his side. He will be missed by all.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Ole J. Anderson; stepfather, Elery Hystad; mother, Doris Anderson Hystad; brother, Curtis John Anderson; and grandson, Taylor Nelson.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of 63 years; children, Jim Jr. Anderson (Dorinda), Jerry Anderson (Jana), Kelly Anderson Gray (Jerry), Holly Anderson Nelson (Ed), Kristin Anderson Gunderson (James), Scott Anderson; his sister, Virginia Hystad Ceynar (David); 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Community Bible Church in Musselshell, Mont. Burial followed in the Musselshell Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.