Jimmie Ray (Andy) Anderson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on October 1, 2024, at the age of 77. He was born to Harold and Dorothy Anderson on June 17, 1947, in Gilroy, California then spent his younger years in Bolivar, Missouri before moving to Springfield. He graduated from Central High School in 1965.

During high school Jim worked at the garment factory in Springfield. There he met Janiece Stevens. They were married at South Side Baptist Church on January 7, 1966. They shared 58 years of marriage, just 3 months shy of 59 years. Their bond was a source of love, strength and joy for both of them.

Jim left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He was a hard-working railroader for 24 years with Frisco/Burlington Northern. He was a member of Abou Ben Adhem, Shriners. Jim enjoyed his hobbies which included woodworking, family projects, and helping others. Jim also loved watching his kids and grandkids’ activities from school events to sports for most of his life.

Jim loved sports, especially softball. He coached, pitched, and played on many teams including Frisco, FLT, Budlight, Thompson Pontiac and others. Jim’s kids remember endless weekends watching back-to-back games and round robins. His joints and knees were problematic so he did his best to hit home runs so he could “jog” the bases. The teams earned many trophies over the years in tournaments. He loved the St.Louis Cardinals and was an avid fan watching them on television and attended games in St. Louis and locally, the Springfield Cardinals. One of the highlights of his life was attending the World Series in St. Louis against the Texas Rangers with his son.

Later in life, his competitiveness moved from the field to the table, where he played dominoes weekly with his Chesterfield Family Center friends. At home, he enjoyed sitting on his porch watching the squirrels hide nuts and the lizards slither to eat the flies he swatted. He also sat at the entrance of his garage watching traffic or visiting with neighbors and family. The radio was always nearby playing the latest version of the Oldies. Jim’s dedication and commitment to his family, friends, and fulfillment of life earned him the respect and admiration of many. May he rest in peace, knowing he was loved and respected by all who crossed his path.

Jimmie was preceded in death by his father, Harold Anderson; his mother, Dorothy Anderson; sister, Alice Spackman; brother, Dennis Anderson.

Jim is survived by his family who loved him dearly: his wife, Janiece (Stevens) Anderson; his daughter Christine Bailey and husband, Fred; his daughter Jamie Ross and husband, Ray: his son Steve Anderson and Dawn Tyau. Jim was blessed with five grandchildren: Ashley (Bailey) Irwin and husband Phillip; Kellyn Bailey and his fiancee Ashley Dean; Colton Barber and wife Paula; Reanna Anderson and Rilyn Anderson. He enjoyed his three great-grandchildren: Makenzie Bailey, Dominic Irwin, and Elijah Bailey. Jim will be dearly missed by all. Jim was quite a character. His memory will live on in their hearts.

Visitation for Jim will be on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. Family and friends are welcome to attend to pay their respects and share stories. No service at this time. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.