George "Jim" James Anderson

Jim and his wife, Beverly, called Arcadia home for 42 years where they raised their family and enjoyed the peacocks in their beautiful yard. Weekends were all about family activities including ball games, bike rides, hikes, garden projects etc. They built their retirement home in Santa Paula with its beautiful views of the mountains and the Channel Islands. It was there that Jim spent his final years.

He earned his bachelor’s degree and Doctor in Pharmacy at the University of Southern California. In the Navy Reserves he tended the sick bay on ships and on land administered thousands of vaccines. His entire career as a pharmacist at Clark Drugs in Arcadia gained him quite a loyal following and frequent recognition in the community.

He was a longtime member of two philanthropic organizations: Scottish Rite and Al Malaikah Shriners which he proudly served as President. The Shriners recognized by their funny burgundy fez hats are now one of the largest pediatric sub-specialty health care systems in the world.

He grew up in Altadena, which was still largely rural with active dairy farms. Alta-Dena Dairy products are still widely recognized in California. He loved telling stories about dairies, delivering newspapers, and taking care of his chickens, ducks and dogs

Jim lived a remarkably healthy life and stayed active until his death. He loved reading, visiting the library, tending his avocado trees, traveling, and spending time at the family cabin in the Sequoias. He enjoyed taking his family every summer on long road trips in the US and Canada visiting numerous National parks, State Capitols and attractions.

In retirement, he and Beverly traveled extensively, visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe, China, Bali, Philippines, Russia, Canada, and numerous countries throughout Europe. A loyal USC Trojan, Jim could often be seen wearing a USC hat. He was endlessly curious, always learning something new. His patience, steady nature, and love of learning were hallmarks of who he was.

Jim is survived by his children, Ron Anderson, Pam (husband Scott) Rhodes and his daughter-in-law, Stephanie Anderson Ortiz, and his grandchildren, Allison, Matthew (wife Sarah), Brian, Christopher, and Lauren (husband Elijah), and his great-grandchildren, Austin and Jackson Rhodes.

Jim was preceded in death by wife, Beverly Anderson; daughter, Sharon Anderson; and son, Scott Anderson.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose kindness, intelligence, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.