James “Jim” Earl Anderson passed away Friday, Jan. 25, 2014 from complications from multiple sclerosis. He was 69.

He grew up on a truck farm in Pontiac, Mich. Jim served in the Navy as a corpsman during the Vietnam War from 1966-1970. He retired from teaching after nearly 30 years in Bainbridge and North Kitsap elementary schools.

He loved farming when he lived in Poulsbo. He raised chickens and pigs and shared produce with family and friends. Jim loved the outdoors.

Despite struggling with MS, Jim had an indomitable spirit and unstoppable drive to live life to the fullest. When he moved to Bremerton, he became a patron to the Bremerton Admiral Theatre where he enjoyed plays and concerts. Many people greeted him and his faithful service dog, Raffle, wherever they went. His sense of humor was infectious.

He is survived by his wife Jackie; siblings Mark, Helen and Norma; sons Joshua, Joey, Tim, Peter and Jonathan; his daughters Eliza and Samantha; and his grandchildren Hannah, India, James, Rose, Lynn, Emilia, Mackenzie, Skyler and Rowan. Those who called him a friend found him to be honest and true. He loved his friends and treated all of them like family members.

A public memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Admiral Theater in Bremerton.

A reception for family and close friends will be held immediately after the memorial service in the community room of the condos where Jim lived at 400 Washington Ave., Bremerton. (The entrance is on the left side of the building just down the stairs.)

Donations to honor the memory of Jim Anderson can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America or the MS Society.