James Edward Anderson

He was born on March 17, 1952, in Kewanee, Illinois, to Milford Sherman Anderson and Goldie Mae Burnett. The youngest child in a large family, Jim, spent his early years on the family farm before later relocating to Arizona.

Jim married Marleah Luise Taggart on February 14, 1978. Though they later divorced, they shared the bond of raising their family together.

Jim built a diverse working life marked by creativity and connection. In the early 1970s, he pursued his passion for music as a radio disc jockey, performing under the on-air names Jim Randel at KTFM in San Antonio from approximately 1973 to 1974 and Bob James at KRUX in Phoenix beginning in 1974. Working during a vibrant era of Top 40 radio, he was part of stations that played meaningful roles in their regional broadcast communities. He later advanced within broadcasting, including service as a program director, and took particular pride in being among the first in his region to air music from the band Bad Company. Beyond radio, Jim worked in automotive sales for Chrysler and Lincoln dealerships and later supported customers through the Best Western rewards program. Health challenges led him to disability in the early 2000s, a difficult transition he met with resilience.

Jim was a lifelong music enthusiast and devoted sports fan. With family roots in Illinois, he faithfully followed the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, while also embracing his Arizona home teams, the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and golf, appreciating both the competition and the scenery. Guided quietly by his Christian faith, he found inspiration in the themes of Desiderata and through readings from Our Daily Bread.

He valued lasting friendships and treasured time with family. Known for his sense of humor, one shared by his daughters, Jim didn’t ask much from others beyond common courtesy and kindness. He showed generosity in everyday moments, often insisting on paying when sharing meals with loved ones, and appreciated the simple act of being together. He experienced emotional ups and downs throughout life, and the transition to disability weighed heavily on him, yet he continued to care deeply for those close to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milford Sherman Anderson and Goldie Mae Burnett; his siblings; and his former wife, Marleah Luise Taggart.

He is survived by three children: DJ Anderson, Sabrina Redden, and Malinda Turitto; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers.