James Wesley Anderson

James Wesley Anderson was born November 7th, 1950 to the late George “Bud” and Phyllis
(Larson) Anderson. Jim attended Hoople Elementary & High School, graduating in 1968. He
enlisted in the U.S. Army at 18 years old and served in the Vietnam War with honors, including
the Bronze Star Medal . He married Janice Buchholtz in 1973 and had 2 children together,
Candace Marie & Joshua James.

James lost his decade long battle with dementia on April 27th, 2020 while living at the
Community Living Center, Veterans Affairs, in Fargo, ND. He was 69 years young; his children
and care team were there to support him.

James had fond childhood memories of time spent camping west of Hoople with his buddies,
tending to the farm animals and riding anything motorized. As an adult, he enjoyed hunting,
fishing and going to the races. Jim began farming with his father after returning home from
Vietnam, growing potatoes, grains and sugar beets. Years later, he co-founded B&J Ironworks
and worked for MotorCoach Industries. Upon retirement, Jim spent countless hours mowing
ditches, yards and anywhere he found grass growing too long in and around Hoople, picking up
trash he found along the way. He was proud of work done to keep his community beautiful and
encouraged others to do the same. James had a great sense of humor and was known for his
generosity and kindness, always greeting others with a bright smile, twinkle in his eye & a
friendly “Hello.”

James is survived by his daughter, Candace Anderson, Fargo, ND and son, Josh and wife,
Jennifer Murphy Anderson, Moorhead, MN, his brothers, Joel (Sharon) Anderson, and Don
(Ellen) Anderson, and sisters, Barb (Steve) Boone, all of Grand Forks, ND and Jill (Michael)
Donahue, McVille, ND, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins
from across the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A memorial visitation is planned for Thursday, June 25, 2020 at the Hoople City Park from 10-12:00 P.M. This will be a time of sharing for James' family and friends.  A private inurnment will be at the Hoople City Cemetery.  Military rites will be provided by the Hoople American Legion and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.