Mr. Anderson was my study hall teacher last year. I always showed him my drawings and he’d hang them up by his desk, he told me I was very talented and skilled and that meant the world to me. He always walked out of class with me when school ended everyday, we’d talk about our winter/spring break plans together and he’d often tell me about visiting his brother or watching games on weekends, he even let me sleep in class when I didn’t get a good nights rest. Mr. Anderson was a kind and patient man. I’m so sorry for your loss, he was more than wonderful. Sending love. ❤️

JD was such a wonderful colleague and will be deeply missed. He was soft-spoken, kind, and genuinely cared about the success and well-being of his students. He had such a big heart—from opening his home to foreign exchange students to serving those experiencing homelessness. These were two of the many meaningful missions he cared deeply about, and I always enjoyed visiting with him and hearing about the ways he was making a difference.

I especially enjoyed our conversations about his travels and listening to the stories he shared along the way. He had a quiet way about him, but his kindness and compassion spoke volumes.

I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to know JD and work alongside him. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family. We at Southview,  all who had the privilege of knowing him are better because of him! He truly made a difference, and he will be missed.

Rachel Borich

JD, I was just getting to know you! 💔
To say JD showed up is an understatement!
He loved to connect and to be a part of family and community.
JD's presence was more than just showing up.
With his soft-spoken tones and playful banter, he engaged in meaningful conversations and interesting commentary. This is what made JD so endearing and so lovable!!! ☺️
JD had a purpose to be present for a gamut of missions: in his family's lives, in his school's activities, in his volunteer work, in his fellowship with his church, as well as in his fitness objectives, just to list a few of the responsibilities that I knew of where JD chose to focus his energy. My heart tells me that JD's intentions, his participation, and his ideas sustained JD emotionally, spiritually, physically, and intellectually which not only translated into bringing joy and fulfillment to himself but a joy that was also shared and felt by his family, friends, and community.
His absence has left a gaping void in the dynamic of his family, friends, and his community!!! We will miss him so much! Rest in eternal peace, JD!🪽

JD was my neighbor at Southview.  I always enjoyed chatting with him about a variety of topics.  He was a wonderful man and colleague.  He will be missed at Southview.

We share our sadness for an event that occurred way too soon. We have had many awesome times with J.D. and his family over the years as his Mother and I have been best friends since Junior High. Even though we lived miles apart for many years, we still always maintained contact. We are left with the great memories of holidays, wedding celebrations, and times all of us spent together at our Florida beach condo. Great memories and great sadness are shared with the Anderson family.
The Perry Family

It is painful to remember all those good moments I had with JD knowing that I won’t see him again. He was supportive, wise, loving with big heart. There are endless memories I gained in those 10 months when JD hosted me. Dreams really do come true and JD was showing that miracle path opening all the doors for me. Endless new food degustation, constant travels and family nights were so heartwarming and I’ve been missing them since the day I left. Rest well, you will be missed. 💐

I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Anderson’s passing. I had him for first period study hall last year, and he was one of the kindest and most understanding teachers I have ever had.

He always treated his students with trust and respect. Whenever I needed to go to the library or the restroom, he would let me go without a hall pass—he simply trusted me to do the right thing. That meant a lot to me.

One day in study hall, I had already finished all of my homework, so I spent the period quietly reading my book. Later that evening, he emailed my parents to tell them how responsible and focused I had been. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and it showed how much he noticed and encouraged his students, even in the little things.

I will always remember Mr. Anderson’s kindness, patience, and the way he made every student feel respected. He made study hall a welcoming place, and I know he touched the lives of so many students. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and everyone whose lives he impacted. He will be deeply missed.

I am shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of JD; he was always such a joy to be around. So many great memories from my college days hanging out with JD and the gang! May the love you shared steady you in the hardest moments.

Prom 1982 - JD & Jeff Schultz
Two of my favorite guys  we are gonna miss you, friends always. You were there when my daughter, Natalie Hellickson, was doing her intern and teaching. You were so good to her. I think it was in Texas. Jeremy was probably playing there & you always supported your Hoover roots. It was fun talking about Baseball and teaching, & we kept in contact. Rest easy, my friend.,  Kym Scales Cresta

You were always a good dude JD. Thanks for showing us young bucks around Houston when we were student teaching.  The pool volleyball days were lasting memories. You will be missed. Godspeed young man. 🙏🏻
KP🌪️

Mr. Anderson was my eighth and ninth grade study hall teacher, he was always there to make students feel like they were welcome and he was such a great teacher. And always had a smile on his face and if not, he’d try to get students to smile and actually be happy. and I’m going to miss him so much.

he was genuinely the best teacherI have ever had and I felt like I could talk to him about anything. he greatly impacted my freshman year positively. He always was so funny and good to talk to. he will be missed by many students. RIP Mr Anderson I will never forget you

Mr anderson was my freshman year study hall teacher, i miss him so much, we used to talk in the mornings before i had to go to class and im going to miss our funny moments that we had. My friends and I loved mr anderson he was the greatest teacher EVER. He never failed to help out a student if they ever need help with school work or personal stuff. I know that he never failed to make my day better any time i would go to his class. Mr anderson is loved and will be missed. Thank you so so so so much mr anderson you truly made my first year of high school unforgettable. Thank you for everything you did for me this past school year. -Josie F

I am so sorry about Jd. He was a good neighbor. He and I would speak most mornings when he was out walking and I was out walking. Most afternoons, he would set outside in front of his garage. He will be missed.
Judi Bagley

OBITUARY

James Anderson

October 24, 1963 – July 16, 2026

Ankeny Funeral Home & Crematory

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