James "Jim" Edwin Anderson Jr.

James (Jim) Anderson, Jr. 82 of Independence, MO passed away at his home Thursday, March 20, 2025. Jim was born October 31, 1942, in Chillicothe, MO to James Edwin Anderson, Sr. and Margaret Allene (Caraway). Jim lived most of his life in Independence MO. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1960. Jim married his wife of nearly 62 years Karen (Crenshaw) in 1963. He spent his career alongside his dad in the automotive service industry. After retirement he spent his days on the front porch greeting neighbors and passersby, he never met a stranger. He enjoyed spending time at Lake of the Ozarks with his family, at the cabin that has been in the family for 59 years. He celebrated the choice of a healthier life on March 17, 2006. He helped many people along his journey with AA. Together he and Karen raised 3 children: Scott (Mona) Anderson of Westwood Kansas, Stacy (Eric) Caldwell of Lee’s Summit, MO, and Kelly (Dan) Engelhard of Oak Grove. The family grew to include 7 grandchildren: Connor (Kim) Caldwell, Lee’s Summit; Jacob Engelhard, Lee’s Summit, MO; Cailin (Zackary) Webster, Odessa, TX; Mackenzie (Luke) Fischer, Mission, KS; Jackson Engelhard, Oak Grove, MO; Max Anderson, Overland Park, KS; Jenna Engelhard, Oak Grove, MO and 5 great grandchildren: Camden, Lochlyn, Rylan Caldwell, Caison and Cohen Webster. Jim is also survived by a sister Carol Milanesi of Denver, CO and a sister-in-law Sharon Crenshaw of Lee’s Summit, MO.

Memorial Donations may be made to Independence First United Methodist Church, 400 West Maple, Independence. MO 64050 or the Alzheimer’s Association.