Leland "Jim" James Anderson

Anderson Leland J. "Jim" of Bay City, Michigan. The son of the late William and Mary (Coats) Anderson passed away early Thursday February 23, 2012 at Heartland Health Care of Grand Rapids at the age of 82 years. He was born October 17, 1929 in Sault Sainte Marie, MI and lived in Bay City for many years. Jim was formerly employed and a merchant mariner for fourteen years and sailed the Great Lakes and retired as a switchman from Grand Trunk Railroad. He served with the United States Army and was a member of the V.F.W. Kawkawlin-Linwood Post 6950. He enjoyed traveling and most of all socializing and gathering at the Texan Restaurant with his friends. Mr. Anderson is survived by one son and two daughters-in-law; James Gregory and Lisa Anderson of Caledonia, MI and Liz Anderson of Bay City, six grandchildren; Donald, Diane, Robert II, Dawn, Tammy and Steve, numerous great grandchildren, his companion; Joyce Grubaugh of Midland, nieces, nephews and many special friends. On March 7, 1951 he married the former Edna M. LaFord and she preceded him in death on November 17, 1989 along with his son; Robert P. Anderson on December 1, 2009. Funeral and Committal Services will take place Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. 201 W. Midland St. Bay City, MI 48706. The family will be present at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. and until the time of services to receive visitors. Mr. Anderson will then be taken to the Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home 113 Maple St. Sault Sainte Marie, MI where a family gathering and visitation will take place on Monday February 27, 2012 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Private interment will take place in the Kinross Cemetery, Kinross, Michigan.