James P. Anderson, Jr.

James P. Anderson, Jr.

James P. Anderson, Jr., of Signal Mountain, a Chattanooga attorney since 1960, died September 6, 2023 at the age of 90, due to complications from a fall. He was the son of the late Dr. James P. Anderson and Martha Anderson of Nashville. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Barbara Tyson Anderson, whom he missed every day since her passing in 2017.

Jim attended Wake Forest University and after serving in the Army in Europe, graduated from Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt Law School. Moving to Chattanooga in 1960, he engaged in the practice of civil law for 55 years. He was a partner in the former law firms of Thrasher, Sherrill & Anderson and Anderson & Bridges. He was a member of many legal associations and civic groups. He was past president of the Chattanooga Trial Lawyers Association and served for 36 years as Secretary of the Chattanooga Law Library.

Across his career, he devoted himself tirelessly to client legal matters and business issues. Whenever his clients needed help, he was there with logical reasoning and hard work to resolve business and personal matters. His clients were his friends, and his friends were his clients.

Named a Life Member of the Chattanooga Jaycees, he was active in development of the two high rise Jaycee Towers, the first non-profit housing for the elderly built in the area, and in the organization of the local Council on Alcoholism. He was subsequently involved in the organization of its successor, the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Services (CADAS), of which he served as Chairman and was honored by being named a Lifetime Member of the Board of Directors.

In 1987, he became a volunteer with the Chattanooga affiliate of Habitat for Humanity, working on the construction of the first house and continuing as both a construction volunteer and in various other capacities. During his work as a volunteer, Habitat built over 200 houses in Chattanooga, and he was proud to have been involved in the actual construction of many of these homes.

An active member of the Signal Crest United Methodist Church since the early 1960s, he served in many capacities through the years, including Lay Leader, Chairman of the Council on Ministries, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. For 50 years, he was a member of the Interpreter Sunday School Class where he enjoyed teaching and making lifelong friends.

Jim loved to debate and he could be strong willed, but he always made time to help others with a giving heart. As his grandchildren recall, he loved to regale listeners with stories from his childhood, literature, and historical events- aided by his amazing memory and knack for detail. He was full of information he wanted to share with the rest of us.

He is survived by his son, James P Anderson, III (Margaret) and his daughter, Eve Anderson Currin (Don) and by 5 grandchildren, Sheppard Gage Anderson (Paley) of Birmingham, Helen Wallace Anderson of Nashville and Anna Tyson Currin, Eliza Chastain Currin, and Sophie Austin Currin of Hermosa Beach, California. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Chastain Anderson Smith of Cary, North Carolina, nieces and nephews, as well as his cherished dog, Muffin, who has been adopted by a loving, young family.

He was predeceased by one sister, Martha LeSueur Anderson Batchelor and his two brothers, John Charles Anderson and William Wyatt Anderson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Alexian who cared for Jim so compassionately after his fall, and the many neighbors, church friends and pastors who were always there for him during his time of need. Their generous attention and kindness made all the difference to him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Greater Chattanooga Habitat for Humanity, 1201 East Main Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408, to Signal Crest United Methodist Church, 1005 Ridgeway Ave, Signal Mtn., TN 37377, or to a charity or church of choice.

A memorial service will be officiated by Reverend Dave Graybeal and Reverend Bill Thorton on Sunday, September 24th at 2 pm at Signal Crest United Methodist Church on Signal Mountain. Visitation will follow service.

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