James Russell Anderson, 86, of Festus died Aug. 27, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Crystal City. Mr. Anderson was a retired technician from Southwestern Bell and AT&T telecommunications for 31 years before operating Anderson Communications as the “The Phone Man” for 18 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1956 to 1958. He was a 60-year member of First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City and a member of Good News Community Church of Festus. He also was a long-time member of the Twin City Rotary Club, Show-Me Woodturners Chapter 2005 and was a past Boy Scout leader. Born Oct. 23, 1938, in Windsor, he was the son of the late Berniece (Russell) and James E. Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years: Sharon Sue (Alcorn) Anderson.
He is survived by two daughters: Robynne (Jim) Halbrook of Bonne Terre and Courtney (Scott) Wagner of Bolivia, N.C.; a sister: Donna Anderson of Lee’s Summit; seven grandchildren: Nicholaas (Brittney) Wagner, Emily (Nico) Rich, Tristen Wagner, Kristina (Chuck Gallaher) Gowen, BJ Gowen, Meghan (Tammy Sheehy) Halbrook and Austin Halbrook; six great-grandchildren: Kason Rich, Logan Rich, Asher Halbrook, Parker Rich, Phillip Wagner and Beckett Rich; and numerous friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 11 a.m. until a service with full military honors at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, officiated by Pastor Justin Metiva of Good News Community Church. A family greeting will take place afterward. Burial will be at a later date in Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the Good News Community Church Building Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.