Jonathan Anderson Obituary

Jonathan Anderson CHARLESTON - Jonathan Joel Anderson, better known to many as "JJ"-departed this world on Saturday, 20 September 2025, after a 22-year battle with prostate cancer. He faced cancer with the same stoic resolve and tenacity he brought to the courtroom. JJ was born in Normal, Illinois, on February 7, 1951, the son of William F. and Mildred S. Anderson. He attended the University of South Dakota School of Law (1976) after graduating with a degree in geology from the University of Illinois (1972). After being commissioned in the US Navy Judge Advocate General Corps, he, his beloved wife, Janet, and their growing family were off to Newport, RI, Camp Lejeune, NC, Sigonella, Italy, and ultimately, Charleston, South Carolina. During his time as a JAG, he defended service members in domestic, foreign, and Article I courts. He was flown to ships in combat zones to conduct courts martial, advised on foreign policy to European Command, provided counsel in Guantanamo, Cuba, and convinced SEALS in Rhoda, Spain, that he could probably get their friend out of the local drunk tank faster and with less adverse consequences than they could. In his heart, he was always a sailor protecting his shipmates. In 1986, shortly after leaving active duty, he joined the Steinberg Law Firm and then practiced with Mark Archer. In 1990, under the guidance of his mentors, Charlie Goldberg and Arthur Howe, he founded Jonathan J. Anderson, PA at 37 1/2 Broad Street. While the firm had many names over the years, his leadership provided steady guidance and zealous advocacy for its clients. He wanted clients to know and feel they were in competent and professional hands. Most of all, he believed in the rule of law and the aggressive search for truth that takes place in a courtroom. One of his great joys was training new legal professionals. He was passionate about teaching and mentoring young attorneys- always knowing there would come a day when they would move on to forge their own path. When they succeeded, he felt as though he had as well which flowed from his innate generosity, kindness, and respect for all. While he loved arguing passionately with the other members of the Bar, he never forgot that attorneys are adversaries-not enemies. No one who faced him in Court ever confused his decency and manners for weakness and passivity. Over the 49 years spanning his civilian and naval career, JJ tried nearly 500 cases, courts martial, administrative hearings and arbitrations in fields as varied as criminal, family, probate, UCMJ, and civil law. He was instrumental in several industry defining cases but refused the credit most seek, insisting that "the law moved forward-the credit is immaterial." He loved his work, the attorneys he worked with, and the courtesy and fraternity of the South Carolina Bar: a culture for which he is due some credit he would never accept. JJ was a man of deep and abiding faith. During his years in Charleston he was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church, James Island where he served on the vestry and as Senior Warden. Later he continued his service at Grace Church Cathedral serving on the vestry and as faithful, and somewhat cantankerous member of the early morning Thursday Bible study. More than anything, he loved his wife of 51 years, Janet; and his children, Emily, Kathryn, and Jonathan. The joy in his life came from seeing them grow, and earning the title of "Ababa," bestowed by his seven grandchildren, whom he loved without reserve. JJ is survived by his wife, Janet Brooks Anderson; and children: Emily Anderson Lukanich (Christopher), Kathryn Anderson Murphy (Brian), and Jonathan Lee Anderson (Caitlin). And also by his grandchildren: Eleanor Murphy, Abigail Murphy, Conor Murphy, Sean Murphy, Ian Lukanich, Christian Lukanich, and Cillian Anderson, He is also survived by his sister, Pamela S. Anderson; and brother, William F. Anderson. Services will be held at Grace Episcopal Cathedral (98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401), on Thursday, September 25, at 2:00 pm. Burial at St. James cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made in his name to either: The Lowcountry Foodbank or Grace Church Cathedral. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.