James Coston Anderson

James Coston Anderson, better known as “Jim” to family and friends, passed away Friday, July 23rd, 2010 in Dallas at the age of 72. He was a loving husband, kind father, caring grandfather, as well as a dedicated employee and a tireless volunteer. Jim was born in Huntsville, Alabama on December 24, 1937. He always joked that his older brothers, Joe and John, wanted a toy instead of a little brother.

The family moved from Alabama to Paris, Tennessee before settling in Austin, Texas - a place that Jim would call home for decades. Jim graduated from Austin High in 1956. He briefly attended the University of Texas, then served a short stint in the military, and came back to Austin where he met his future wife, Sherry. The two were married at Central Christian Church on July 29th, 1967 and settled down in the Capital City. Jim and Sherry had a son, Jim Jr., in 1971 and a daughter, Molly, in 1975. Jim spent most of his career at the Internal Revenue Service in Austin. He worked the overnight shift for many years, and was a manager. He also worked at the Austin Independent School district as a school bus driver and a lunchroom monitor.

Despite his rigorous schedule, Jim found time to volunteer at the Texas Runaway Hotline, a service that helps families and teens in crisis. Other volunteer activities included the Capital Area Food Bank and the Special Olympics. Jim loved Austin. It was only after his beloved wife passed away in 2004 did he move to Dallas to be closer to daughter Molly. Jim made it clear that when he too passed on he wanted to be taken back to Austin, where he loved watching UT sporting events, taking in a movie, or simply chatting with friends and neighbors down the street.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Rocky and Mary Hale, and his wife Sharon. Jim is remembered by his brothers, Joe and John, his daughter Molly, his son Jim Jr, and his grandchildren Langston and Caitlin.

Services will be held Saturday July 31st at Central Christian Church, 1110 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78701. The viewing will be at 1pm, followed by the funeral service at 2pm, then a private burial at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Runaway Hotline in Jim Anderson's name. The address is: Texas Runaway Hotline, Department Mail Code Y987, PO Box 149030, Austin, TX 78714-9030.