James Ronald Anderson, age 90, of South Portland, Maine, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026. He was born on February 29, 1936, in Duluth, Minnesota, to William and Alice Anderson. Jim grew up in Duluth, where he graduated from Central High School before embarking on his career and service.

Jim dedicated over twenty years to serving his country in the United States Navy, enlisting on August 12, 1953, and retiring as a Chief Hospital Corpsman on January 12, 1974. He earned his qualification in submarines and served on several diesel and nuclear submarines in the Atlantic Fleet. Beyond his time at sea, he served on the staffs of Submarine Squadron 12 in Key West, Florida, and Submarine Flotilla 2 in New London, Connecticut. His extensive military assignments also included tours at Naval Hospital Chelsea, MA; Naval Air Stations in Pensacola, FL, Glenview, IL, China Lake, CA, and Barbers Point, HI; as well as serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Maine Regiment, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, CA.

Upon returning to civilian life, Jim settled down in South Portland, Maine, with his wife, Karen Leah Dow, their four children, and his St. Bernard, George. He then began a dedicated career with the Maine Department of Labor, spanning from January 1975 to July 1996. Over those two decades, he held multiple essential roles, including Claims Examiner, Assistant Office Manager, and Investigator in the Fraud Unit.

After retiring from the state, Jim traveled extensively across the United States with his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Karen. The couple shared their time together between winters spent in Mesquite, Nevada, and summers back home in Maine.

James was married to Karen Leah Dow of South Portland, Maine, on October 5, 1963. Together, they shared a beautiful life filled with love, devotion, and family values. James is survived by their four beloved children, who continue to carry forward his legacy: three daughters, Jane Anderson (married to John Doherty) of Cape Elizabeth, ME, Kristen Baker (married to Phil Baker) also of Cape Elizabeth, ME, and Kathleen Anderson (partnered with Rodney Damon) of Westbrook, ME; and his son, James Anderson (married to Kelly Christie) of Portland.

His memory will also be cherished by his eight grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his later years: Owen, Anna, Abby, and Egan Doherty; Margaret and Harry Baker; and Justin and Katherine Anderson. In addition to his children and grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, he leaves behind his brother, Richard, residing in Woodbury, MN. James was preceded in death by his beloved parents, William and Alice Anderson; his loving sister, Marilyn Minter; his brothers, Dwayne and William; and his deeply missed and devoted Karen.

At his request, a private service will be held with his immediate family.