James R. Anderson, 67, of LaMoille, passed away unexpectedly on October 3, 2026. He was born June 2, 1959, in Spring Valley, Illinois, to Robert R. Anderson and Larieta S. (Faber) Anderson.

James married Julie K. (Zimmerlein) Anderson on June 9, 1984, in Ohio, Illinois, at the First Lutheran Church. They had two children, Russell and Melissa. James was a 1977 graduate of Mendota Township High School and a 1984 graduate of Kishwaukee College. He served on the LaMoille CUSD 303 Board of Education as Secretary of the board. He served as President of the First Lutheran Church in Ohio, Illinois, multiple times, and also served as past President of the Bache Memorial Chapel in Van Orin, Illinois.

James performed in the Living Last Supper presentation for many years with the men of the First Lutheran Church of Ohio, Illinois, and the men of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Peru, Illinois. James loved to serve on Via de Cristo ministry weekends, the place where Jesus Christ came into his life. For nearly a year, James had the honor of serving as a Synod Authorized Vicar at Peace Lutheran Church in Morris, Illinois. Sharing his faith and serving the congregation was one of his greatest blessings.

Throughout his working life, James wore many hats and explored a variety of careers, including car sales and insurance sales. He was a man of many interests and talents, always willing to learn something new and take on a new challenge. In the years leading up to his retirement, he found one of his favorite roles as a security officer at Illinois Valley Community College, where he enjoyed welcoming people at the front desk and being a familiar, friendly face to students, staff, and visitors.

James was a proud St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers fan. He was once a Chicago Bears fan, but he eventually found his way to the winning side. In his spare time, he loved spending time outside and “piddling” in the garage, as well as researching his Irish heritage.

His happiest times were spent with his wife, Julie, his children, and his grandchildren.

Mr. Anderson is survived by his wife, Julie; his son, Russell (Sarah) Anderson; his daughter, Melissa (Colton) Reiter; and his five grandchildren, Colton James, Milayna, Malachi, Selah, and Jude. He is also survived by his brother, Douglas (Jill) Anderson; his brothers-in-law, Delbert (Marianne) Zimmerlein and Maurice (Sue) Zimmerlein; his nieces and nephews; and his great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Anderson was preceded in death by his mother and father, his mother and father-in-law, and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Visitation will be held at Bache Memorial Chapel, 25478 IL Hwy 92, Van Orin, Illinois, on Friday, October 9, from 4:00–7:00 p.m., and on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, at Bache Memorial Chapel, followed by burial. A lunch will be provided following the burial. Memorials may be directed to the First Lutheran Church of Ohio, Illinois, or Bache Memorial Chapel in Van Orin, Illinois. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.

“And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

Isaiah 25:9