Obituary: James R. Anderson, 85, longtime North Guilford resident

Obituary courtesy of Guilford Funeral Home:

Wednesday, December 13, 2023 James R. Anderson, longtime resident of North Guilford passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was born on October 14, 1938 in Isom, VA to Tolby and Beulah Anderson.

He lived in the mountains of Virginia until he joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. After his deployment to Korea ended, he went home and realized a life working in the coal mines was not for him. He had an opportunity to move to North Guilford and work at Gozzi's turkey farm, so he headed north. While working at the farm he met and married Nina Price. Jim and Nina were married 61 years before her passing in 2020. He went on to work as a carpenters helper and at Guilford Public Works, before finding his true passion and gift as an auto mechanic. He worked many years for Hellers Chevrolet and Pontiac and then stayed on with Mannix Chevrolet and Pontiac until his retirement.

He could be found outside tinkering in his garage, or in his bountiful vegetable garden. He enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and family. Another favorite past time was going to the horse and pony pulls. If there was a pull in New England he was most likely there.

Jim was predeceased by his wife, his parents, two brothers Elmer and Carter and his nephew Eric Mooney. He is survived by his loving daughter Suzanne Castellani, son-in-law Paul Castellani and cherished grandson Kurtis Castellani. He also leaves behind his 6 sisters. Gardenia Stanley (James), Sue Johnson, Rose Mooney (Burl), Lois Slemp, Rita Anderson and Gladys Fleming (Joe). As well as many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all.

Friends are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, December 19 from 9:30 – 10:30 am at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Funeral Services will follow immediately at 10:30 am at Guilford Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will take place in North Guilford Cemetery, 159 Ledge Hill Rd, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 310 State St, Suite#200, Guilford, CT 06437; https://givct.org/