James Dolphus Anderson Jr.

James Dolphus Anderson Jr., also known as J.D., entered eternal rest on Sunday April 14th, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio. 

James was born on September 12th, 1937, to the union of James Dolphus Anderson Sr. and Susie Beatrice Hood Anderson in Ware Shoals, SC. 

The Anderson Family settled in Dayton, Ohio from Ware Shoals, SC in the 1940's.  James attended Wogaman Elementary School. After completing his elementary years, he went to Dunbar High School on Summit Street. He did well in some classes, but math was not his strong point. James was pretty quiet as well as laid back, but he developed a love for track and field where he excelled in the 440-yard dash. Additionally, James fell in love with photography. He graduated from Dunbar in 1957.

A few days after graduating from Dunbar, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country with honor & dignity from 1957 - 1960. He did his basic training in Texas and was stationed in Germany and traveled to many other areas.

While in high school, James met Johnnie Pearl Mann when he was in the 11th grade, and she was in the 10th grade through a mutual friend, Bennie Tims Sr. James and Johnnie dated off and on for a couple of years. The couple later got together through letters and resumed their relationship while he was in the service.

James wrote a beautiful letter to Johnnie's parents, George Roger Mann & Ada Pearl Mann, asking for Johnnie's hand in marriage. James came home to Dayton on a 25 day leave and at that time they were united in holy matrimony at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church; officiated by Rev. J. R. Outlaw. He then returned back to Germany to finish out his enlistment time. 

After completing his enlistment in the United States Air Force, James entered American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, TN. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education/Theology. He did further studies at Liberty University and United Theological Seminary. 

James was employed by Inland as a Fisher Guide employee for 32 years. His love of God led him to Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and he later joined Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he taught Christian Education under the leadership of Rev. J. R. Outlaw. He later joined Rockhill Missionary Baptist Church on August 8, 1980, by Christian Experience. James was installed as Assistant Pastor on May 22, 1982, under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Lavon Mann. He was the Adult Sunday School Teacher and a member of the Male Chorus. 

During this union they were blessed with 5 girls, Sharon Renee Anderson Yoloye, Tina Louise Anderson Jackson, Lisa Elaine Anderson Rhodes, Joy Elise Anderson & Joyce Elaine Anderson Billings. 

He loved photography and was published in Jet Magazine and other publications.  His love of track overflowed to his daughters, and he would be seen taking pictures as well as rooting his daughters on to victory in their respective races.  He enjoyed taking in the track meets at Welcome Stadium as well as the state track meets held at The Ohio State Stadium at that time.

James leaves to cherish his memory his wife Johnnie of 65 years. Sharon Renee Anderson Yoloye (Jimi); Tina Louise Anderson Jackson (Vernon); Lisa Elaine Anderson Rhodes; Joy Elise Anderson and Joyce Elaine Anderson Billings. He also leaves behind two loving brothers, William Howard Anderson (Judy-Deceased); Ronald Anderson (Connie) and three cherished sisters, Marva Cleveland (Deceased); Delores Anderson and Mattie Sue Flournoy. Granddaughters: Jamila Kinlock, Nicole Sullen, Mose Yoloye, Brianna Rhodes and Ander Jackson.  Great Granddaughter: Jelise Anderson and four great grandsons: James Kinlock, Jordan Kinlock, Adarius Ringer, Jr., and Adrien Crawford along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church members. 

A special thank you to the staff at Hospice of Dayton.

Celebration of life service 11 am Friday, April 26, 2024 at Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, 1501 W. Third St., Dayton, OH. Visitation 10 am at which time family will receive friends. Interment Dayton National Cemetery.

In memory of James, you may make donations to Rockhill Missionary Baptist Church use Givelify app or mail your giving to 1404 S. Gettysburg Avenue, Dayton, OH 45417 or you may donate in his memory to Kidney Foundation of Ohio, Inc. @ kfohio.org., using the "In honorarium" or "Memorial/Tribute Gift" link.

Livestream on YouTube, Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, Dayton 

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