Jim attended Shortridge High School in Indianapolis. He joined the U.S. Navy shortly after leaving high school. While in the U.S. Navy, Jim proudly served aboard the USS Grand Canyon. Following Jim’s service to his country, he embarked on a long and distinguished career as a law enforcement officer. He began his career with IUPUI Police Department and later joined the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. Jim proudly served the majority of his career, 31 years, with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. He also served with the Danville Police Department, Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department, and Marian College Police Department. Jim was an American Red Cross Hall of Fame winner in recognition of his heroism, and was named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Disabled American Veterans. He was also named Police Officer of the Year by the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police. Jim was later awarded the Medal of Valour by The National Sheriffs’ Association. These are a few of the many notable honors he received during his career in law enforcement. Jim dedicated his life to protecting and serving the citizens of Indiana. He was a highly decorated law enforcement officer who’s service was heroic in the truest sense of the word.

Jim was also a proud family man. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Gordon Anderson. He is survived by his mother, Kathleen Anderson, and his brother, Michael Anderson as well as his children and grandchildren. Jim was a loving father to Amy Akins (Jim), Jamie Johnson (Steve), Jennifer Anderson, and James Michael Anderson. He was also a stepfather to Thomas Jordan Hillard. Jim adored his grandchildren Austin Chase, Danielle, Mariah, Celeste, and Kyrie and was looking forward to the arrival of his first great-grandchild.