James Frank “Spanky” Anderson of McKinney, Texas passed away early in the morning of January 10, 2021 at Medical City McKinney due to complications from COVID-19. He was 80 years old.
He was born in West Memphis, Arkansas on September 26, 1940 to Tillie Josephine Myers and Frank M. Anderson. James grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where he graduated high school in 1959. On a double-date with another couple, he met the love of his life, Betty Sue Fleming. Sparks ignited and soon after, they were married on July 2, 1963. They would have celebrated 58 years of a loving marriage this year. Given the importance that family played in James’ life, as his children and grandchildren relocated to the Dallas, Texas area, he and Betty also made their way to the Lone Star state in 2016.
Known to family and friends as “Spanky” or “Pops,” James worked on the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad until his retirement as a Yardmaster in the early 1980s. In retirement, his favorite hobbies included fishing, golf, bowling, and watching black-and-white Westerns from his favorite recliner. His ultimate pastime, however, was spending quality time with his loving family . . . especially his two grandchildren, Alex and Kendall.
Although he often said he learned everything “the hard way,” he will be remembered for always being available to give those closest to him his words of wisdom, encouragement, and understanding. He would often refer to himself as “The Guard” who was always watching out and protecting his family.
James is survived by his wife, Betty Sue Anderson; children, Stephanie Anderson and her spouse, Sean Gray, of Dallas, Texas, Eleah Anderson of Dallas, Texas, and Jason Anderson and his wife, Tammy, of Little Elm, Texas; grandchildren, Alexander Hartsuff of Dallas, Texas and Kendall Anderson of Little Elm, Texas; sister, Betty McBride, and her husband, David, of Batesville, Arkansas and sister Patsy Powell of Malvern, Arkansas; sister-in-law Jane Larson, and her husband, Bob, of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; many nieces and nephews, and numerous other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Gerry Anderson Burkey. James was loved by all, and will be dearly missed.