James "Carl" Anderson

James “Carl” Anderson, of Gainesboro, TN, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on October 31. He was President of the Jackson County High School Class of 1949 before going to Tennessee Tech University where he earned his BS degree. While at Tech he was a member of R.O.T.C. and the track and field team, where he was a two-time conference champion and broke the Ohio Valley Conference record in the high jump. Upon graduating, he became an officer in the 529th Signal Company of the Fifth Army, proudly serving his country.

Later in his career he served in a variety of educator roles including as the Exhibits Manager at Oak Ridge Associated Universities. His favorite position was serving as the Jackson County, TN Supervisor of Adult Education for 18 years. In this role he helped hundreds of adults earn their G.E.D., allowing them the opportunity to create better lives for themselves and their families. He also continued furthering his own education, earning an MS degree from the University of Colorado and an Ed.S. degree from Tennessee Tech University.

Anderson loved sports, especially football and basketball, playing the guitar and singing, classic cars, history, and telling stories about his life. He earned a commercial pilot’s license, flying planes for fun as well as an occasional part time job. He loved to help people, and donated to dozens of non-profits in recent years.

He leaves behind his son, Michael, daughter-in-law Jeanine, and granddaughters Deidra and Nicole.

Visitation will be on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 from 4 to 8 pm at Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home and again on Sunday from 12 noon to 2 pm.   Funeral services will be held at Anderson Funeral Home on Sunday, November 12, 2023  at 2 PM with Bro. Jimmy Anderson officiating.  Burial will follow in Rash Cemetery.

 In remembrance, the Anderson family, in lieu of flowers, is accepting donations to Jackson County High School Athletics. C/O Jim Brown 190 Blue Devil Lane Gainesboro TN 38562.

Anderson Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  931-268-1550