Deacon James Roland Anderson, Jr, was born September 6, 1943, In Noel, Virginia to James Roland Anderson, Sr. and Pearle Temple Anderson. He transitioned from earth to his heavenly home on February 28, 2024.  He was predeceased by four sisters, Bessie Chappell, Hattie Pleasants, Naomi Pleasants, and Ophelia Robinson.

Jim, as he was affectionately called, joined the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church at an early age, under the pastorate of the Reverend P. H. West.  He faithfully served on several ministries and boards, including the Choir, Superintendent of Church School, Teacher and Diaconate Ministry. Deacon Anderson was President of the Hanover & Vicinity Deacons' Conference for many years.

He attended Hanover Public Schools, and graduated from John M. Gandy High School, where he was honored to author his Senior Class Poem. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a Military Police Officer.

After leaving the military he worked in several fields.  He worked for the Singer Sewing Company, the RF&P Railroad as a brakeman, Telex Computer Company, and Bank of America, traveling state-to-state as a diagnostic computer technician.

Jim loved all genres of music, the blues being his favorite.  Jim was blessed with a beautiful singing voice as many can attest to.  His favorite Bible passages came from Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, which reads in part: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant; and a time to pluck up that which is planted;"…

Left to cherish his warm memories in his devoted wife of over forty years, Helen Chappelle Simms Anderson, and his sons, Rodney Coley Anderson (Valerie) and Lance Marcel Saxon.  He also leaves his step-daughters, Constance Winston, Cheryl Robinson, Mary Carter-devoted (Horace), and Bessie Bartee (Richard), one step-son, Curt Simms (Connie), his sister, Veronia Eberhardt (Henry), nephew (devoted) Walter Pleasants, and niece (devoted) Theresa Ancarrow.  He was also blessed with multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.