James Anderson Obituary

James Philip Anderson Charleston - James Philip Anderson, beloved husband of Carolyn Nesbitt Anderson, died peacefully surrounded by his family on March 19, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Eugene Anderson, Sr. and Mary Alma Bean Anderson, his sister, Theresa Anderson Luhrs and his brothers, Arthur Eugene Anderson, Jr, and Bernard Anderson. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, sons, James Philip Anderson, Jr (Paul Lindell) and Joseph Benson Anderson (Regina Hutto Anderson) and grandchildren, Anna Kathleen Shuler (Michael Shuler) and Joseph Benson Anderson, Jr. plus numerous nieces and nephews. James was born in Charleston, SC, March 3, 1933, a date memorialized by Dr Patrick Dennis in the poem "The Ballad of Three, Three, Thirty-three". He grew up in various locations on the Charleston Peninsula. He graduated from Bishop England High School in 1951, The College of Charleston in 1955 with a Bachelor's degree in mathematics, and the University of South Carolina in 1957 with a Master's degree in Mathematics. He furthered his studies in mathematics with a graduate teaching fellowship at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. While an undergraduate student at the College of Charleston, he was a member of Pi Delta Kappa, Pre-Med Club, Newman Club, and the men's freshman basketball team. He was also a founding member of Beta Rho Beta fraternity. He taught Mathematics and Computer Science at the College of Charleston for 37 years, retiring in 1995. While on faculty at The College, he was the recipient of a National Science Foundation fellowship, which allowed him to perfect his computer science teaching skills at the University of New Mexico, University of Minnesota, the University of Iowa, and Clarkson University. He even taught mathematics one summer at Clemson University where, much to his chagrin, he gave more "A"s than he had in the previous ten years at The College, theorizing that the Clemson students were not aware of his reputation as a tough grader. Jim was an active member of the Church of the Nativity parish, serving as an usher and Eucharistic Minister. In the 1970s, he served as chair of the Nativity School Board. Following in his father's footsteps, he was a Faithful Navigator of the Knights of Columbus Council #704, heading up the Fourth Degree Team for many years. Most Sunday evenings, one could find him at Blessed Sacrament Church praying for others in Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. He continued his life of service for more than twenty years after retirement by volunteering at Roper-Saint Francis Hospital as well as the College of Charleston Math Lab, One Eighty Place, and Meals on Wheels. His life of service has touched hundreds of lives. Being the dedicated educator, he wanted to ensure other students received opportunities he had by supporting the Bishop England High School Nicholas J. Theos Tuition Assistance Fund. He and Carolyn have been enthusiastic supporters of the College of Charleston Alumni Association and Foundation scholarship programs for decades. "Pappy Jim", as he was known by his family, was an ardent sports fan. Retirement allowed him to attend many College of Charleston basketball and baseball games. It is only natural that a mathematician should be such a baseball fan. He also followed University of Alabama football. We always knew he would be watching the Crimson Tide on a Fall Saturday afternoon. Jim will be fondly remembered by his family and many friends. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. James P. Anderson are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at Nativity Catholic Church. The Rite of Committal will follow at Riverview Memorial Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.CharlestonFunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the James P. and Carolyn N. Anderson Endowed Alumni Scholarship at the College of Charleston. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC. (843) 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston