John Scott Anderson Jr.

John left us unexpectedly on 2/26/21 at the age of 71. He passed at home peacefully after a lifelong battle with Type 1 Diabetes. John was born to John Scott and Margaret Chaplin Anderson on 5/14/1949. He graduated from Douglass Freeman High School. He briefly traveled to California after high school in hopes of becoming a forest ranger but having diabetes was too dangerous for that profession. He went on to trade school in Richmond, VA and became an electrician. He was an immensely proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 666 for over 46 years.

John lost his father, was severely burned in a fire and found out he had type 1 diabetes (on Halloween) at a young age. He struggled with the disease since he was 8 years old. He worked hard for the IBEW Local 666 on local jobs and traveling with his brothers doing out of state work. He raised his children, Dara and Sunshine in Goochland, sharing custody with their mother. For the past 3 years he was doing dialysis. He moved in with his daughter about a year and a half ago and they did home hemodialysis 5 days a week. Last year he was approved on the kidney transplant list. He got two calls for kidneys within 2 weeks. Sadly, he had a wound and subsequent infection and amputation that forced him to be on hold until he was healed. John passed away with hope in his heart that his wounds would heal, he would get stronger and get a new kidney. He dreamed of a river house he could share with his children and grandchildren owning an airstream that he could use to travel to the Florida Keys to fish whenever he wanted. He would go fishing with his friends whenever he could and love Hatteras, the Gulf Stream and Florida. He loved going to “the pool” and hanging out with all his friends, he made a final trip there 2 days prior to his passing.

He was preceded in death by both parents. He leaves behind his daughter, Dara Woodrum and husband Jerry and son Sunshine Anderson and wife Dawn. He leaves behind his grandchildren Rebecca Wehner (Michael) and her children Kimber and Harper; Jean Woodrum; Jule Woodrum; Jenna Woodrum; Austin Anderson; Jack Anderson; Kayla Marlow (Cole) and her children Ryleigh and Jordan; Kaitlyn Forbes and her children Austin and Isabell; Kimberly Pinkston (Christopher) and son Colton. He is also survived by his three sisters, Kay Anderson, Carol Anderson and Barbara Franklin.

His quiet presence and sweet smile will always remain in our hearts. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. We hope you are fishing and enjoying the sun. We love you dad, pop, pawpaw, and ponytail pop!

John’s family and friends will have a celebration of life on March 28, 2021 at 2 pm at his pool. Address 3107 Loxley Rd., Richmond, VA 23227.