James Porter Anderson, Jr.

James Porter (Andy) Anderson, Jr., of Choctaw, Oklahoma, was born July 25, 1927, at Wilson, Oklahoma, to James Porter Anderson, Sr., and Nora Sylvestia Adkins Anderson. He departed this life on January 28, 2025, at Mercy Rehab Hospital in Oklahoma City.

 He married Janie Sue Anderson on May 27, 1966, at Ada, Oklahoma.

 Survivors include his wife, Janie, of 58 years, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Wesley James and Jacqueline Sue Anderson of Slaughterville, Oklahoma; a grandson, Andrew Richard (Madeline) Shanahan of Las Vegas, Nevada; four granddaughters, Catherine Marie (Tim) Shanahan Szeszulski of Edmond, Oklahoma; Cynthia Anne (Casey) Shanahan Rader of Sulphur, Louisiana; Jennifer Christine (Bryan) Anderson Kaut of Nicoma Park, Oklahoma; and Rebecca Ann (Charles) Anderson Hawkins of Titusville, Florida; 15 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; and a host of other relatives and friends.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sheryl Marie Anderson Shanahan; a sister, Ada Marie Anderson Kitchens; and a brother, Arnold Jackson Anderson.

 Andy graduated from Shawnee High School in 1945, where he played cornet in the high school band and trumpet in the school dance band. He later attended Oklahoma University.

 He served in the U. S. Navy as a Medical Technician, holding the rating of Third Class Petty Officer, from May, 1945, until December, 1946. After returning from military service, he worked at Tinker Air Force Base until retiring in 1983. While he was working at Tinker Air Force Base, he served at management levels in the Aircraft Logistics Management Divisions, providing support to the Air Force operational fleet of B-52, KC-135, A-7, and several aircraft assigned to the Presidential fleet (including Air Force One).

 Andy was an active member of Faith Baptist Church of Harrah, where he had served as treasurer and a member of the Finance Committee. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and a member (32nd degree) of the Scottish Rite Bodies in McAlester, Oklahoma. His hobbies included cutting and polishing gem stones and wood carving. He and Janie, together, enjoyed collecting antique glass and researching their family genealogy. 

 A memorial service will be held February 8, 2025, 10:30 a.m., at Faith Baptist Church, 142 N. Dobbs Road, in Harrah, Oklahoma, with Dr. Dan Campbell officiating. Interment will be at Oak Park Cemetery, Chandler, Oklahoma. If desired, memorials may be made to Faith Baptist Church of Harrah.

 “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord…they will rest from their labor for their deeds will follow them.”—Revelations 14:13.