James "Jim" Marvin Anderson

A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend

James Anderson, 75, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2024, due to health complications, with his family by his side. He was born June 1949, in Iowa, to Marvin and Anna Anderson. He grew up with a passion for helping others and serving his country.

After graduating from high school, at age 18, he joined the Navy and was assigned to the USS Fetchler, where he completed two tours in Vietnam. He was stationed at Long Beach Naval Base in Long Beach, California, where he joined the Radio Emergency Associated Communication Teams (REACT) CB club. He helped provide safety information and write member newsletters for the club. He also met many lifelong friends through his involvement in the CB community.

At the age of 21, he left the Navy and worked as a security guard for a while, before pursuing a career in healthcare. He began working for an ambulance company in the city of Carson, where he saved many lives and earned the respect of his colleagues. He also enrolled in the LA County Sheriff's Academy and became a police officer. He served with the Compton Police Department for three years, where he met his first wife and had a son, Jeffrey.

In 1976, he moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his family, seeking a change of scenery and a fresh start. He worked on a dairy farm, then worked for Community Corrections (ComCor), where he met his wife, Kathy. They were married in 1982, and he adopted her 3 children. Jim resigned from ComCor and joined Fountain Police Department in 1983. He quickly rose through the ranks to become Deputy Chief. He was known for his veracity, professionalism, and compassion. Jim was also an active member and past president of the Fountain Valley Optimist Club for 5 years. He resigned from the Fountain Police Department to pursue a new career.

In January 1995, he became the System Manager for the El Paso-Teller County Enhanced 9-1-1 Authority Board. In the 19 years he was with 9-1-1, he oversaw the building of a new state of the art facility with an emergency dispatch center, while tending to the day-to-day operations of many dispatch centers throughout El Paso and Teller County, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

After 45 years of law enforcement service, he retired, but continued to volunteer with Fountain Fire and Stratmoor Hills Fire departments, helping with dispatch training and duties. He enjoyed his retirement for a few months, but soon felt restless. In 2015 he decided to work for Dignity Funeral Services (SCI), where he assisted grieving families, provided comfort, support and assisted in funeral services. He also enjoyed spending time with his 10 grandchildren and traveling with Kathy, his wife of 42 years.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his brother and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held on July 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Swan Law Funeral Home. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.