James Edward "Jim" Anderson

James Edward "Jim" Anderson the popular owner of Andy's Pool Service in Tucson and an accomplished barbershop singer, died suddenly August 2, 2010 after surgery at University Medical Center. He was 65 years old. Jim was known for his gregarious manner, his sense of humor and his worldview. A trained broadcast journalist, he was quick to discuss current events, which he'd often frame with a joke. When alone or going to jobs, he would listen to an audiobook downloaded from the library. He devoured two or three books a week – nonfiction, history, current affairs, some fiction. His colleagues in the Tucson Barbershop Experience remember him for his generosity, team spirit and strong bass voice. He was devoted to his wife, Susan Lyons Anderson, beside her in sickness and in health during their 27-year marriage. He looked forward to vacations in Seattle with his stepson, Tom Dean; his daughter-in-law, Lecia and his grandsons, Nathan and Carter, who all survive him, as does a stepdaughter, Kelly Dean of Tempe. Jim's oldest sister, Kay, died when Jim was 15; his other sister and her husband, Janet and Bill Barta of California also survive him. Jim was a charter member of the baby boom generation, born June 1, 1945, in Rockford, Ill. His parents moved to Tucson two years later for his father's health. Suffering from arthritis, Carl Elmore "Andy" Anderson was advised to settle in a warmer climate, so he and his wife, Wanda, packed up their three children and moved. Andy founded the family pool service shortly after arriving, and Jim helped with the business through high school. Jim attended The University of Arizona School of Journalism, but his years there were interrupted by the Vietnam War. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1967 and was assigned to sonar duty on a destroyer off Vietnam. After his discharge in 1969, he returned to the University of Arizona to complete his degree in broadcast journalism. He worked as a sound engineer and camera operator for stations in Tucson and Phoenix. But he loved the independence of the family business and shortly returned to help his father, eventually taking over the business several years before his father died in 1998 at age 93. Jim continued not only his father's vocation but also his avocation, barbershop quartet singing. Andy Anderson had helped found what was then called the Tucson Sunshine Chorus, and in 1990, Jim began driving his aging dad to rehearsals, joining in himself, and then serving as treasurer and volunteering as recording engineer. Jim loved photography – mountain scenes were a favorite, and he was known for the quality of his composition. He also loved woodworking, particularly with mesquite, and made carved bowls and cutting boards. During his recuperation from back surgery, he had planned to take an online course in geology, another of his many interests. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 17, 2010 at East Lawn Palms Cemetery, at 5801 East Grant Road, just east of Craycroft. Members of the Tucson Barbershop Experience will perform in his memory. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY.