James Garrett Anderson, Iii

James Garrett Anderson, III, affectionately known as Jim, Jimmy, Dad, Paw Paw Jim and Great Grandpa Jim, passed away on September 3, 2025, in his home at Ghent, West Virginia, at the age of 84 years old.

Jim loved his work as an attorney and had the distinction of arguing and winning a case before the United States Supreme Court. Even after almost 60 years of practicing law, he could not quite bring himself to fully retire. He was proud to have served in the United States Marine Corps as well as being a member of the Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, the Beni-Kedem Shrine Temple of Charleston, and the Royal Order of Jesters Court 111.

Giving back to his community was important to him. He was instrumental in organizing the Ghent Volunteer Fire Department and establishing Trinity Presbyterian Church. He quietly provided service to many other organizations and individuals.

He had a larger-than-life personality and loved his family and friends fiercely.  He enjoyed adventure and did not mind mishaps as they only led to good stories that were embellished as they were told over time.  He loved the outdoors, especially the lake, fishing in Randolph County, snow skiing and hunting at Seneca State Forest. He set up trips for groups to see musicals and loved playing bridge. He was an avid cook and even surprised the entire family by cooking us our own personal duck. He organized numerous gatherings of friends and family, and we spent our time telling stories, remembering loved ones and, most importantly, laughing.

He was an eternal optimist and always had hope. In his later years, he would often join his wife of 62 years, Ellen Elaine Gates Anderson, singing hymns as she watched the church service online.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. J.G. Anderson Jr. and Pauline Anderson.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children Jay (Myra) and Leslie (Jim), one grandchild, Michael Anderson (Kristin); three step-grandchildren, James Martin (Deb), Michael Martin, Larisa Martin (Rob); seven great-grandchildren: Noelle, Sophie, Samantha, Jillian, Avery, Elliot, and Oliver; his sister, Jane Elizabeth Goode (Tom); brother-in-law, L.A. Gates; niece and nephews, Kelli Gates Turner (Jake), Brian Gates, and Brandon Goode (Sarah).  Jim believed family is what you make it and considered countless other people to be family, including, Becky Nelson, Buck Byron (Joann), Tricia Meador, Geoff Meadows, Marie Backlund and the list goes on. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ghent Volunteer Fire Department (P.O. Box 99, Ghent, WV  25843), Trinity Presbyterian Church (Box 370, Shady Spring, 25918) or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Jim's life will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Amos E. Quesenberry Chapel of Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Shady Spring, WV.  Friends may gather with the family from 12:00 p.m. until the service time.

Online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funerael Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.