James Byron Anderson
James Byron Anderson, affectionately known as JB, passed away on September 14, 2024, in Webster, Texas, at the age of 92. JB was born on April 2, 1932, in Huntsville, Texas, to John Byron “Andy” and Thelma Sanders Anderson. He grew up in Huntsville, where he attended local schools and discovered a talent for athletics, excelling in football and other sports. A 1950 graduate of Huntsville High School, JB went on to attend Sam Houston State Teacher’s College on a full football scholarship. It was during a fraternity social in college that he met the love of his life, Carol Evonne Reno. JB continued to shine on the football field and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1954. That same year, he also completed a master’s degree in education. In 1954, JB and Carol were married in Huntsville, Texas, and together they had two children: Mike, born in 1955, and Jan, born in 1957. JB was a dedicated husband and father, committed to his family and community. His professional life began as a football coach, leading the 1959 South Houston Intermediate School football team to a District Championship. Several of his players went on to compete at the Division 1 level in college athletics. Over time, JB transitioned into school administration, eventually retiring as the principal of Pearland Middle School. His influence on his students and athletes was profound, as evidenced by the many who continued to honor him, taking him to lunch annually well into his later years. He was celebrated at his 90th birthday by friends, former students and athletes, family, and loved ones. JB was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Anderson, and his son, Mike Anderson. He is survived by his daughter Jan and her husband Brent Bailey; grandchildren Ellen Wilkirson and her husband Matt, Michael Bailey, Sam Anderson, and Brynn Anderson; daughter-in-law Devon Anderson; and niece Charlyn Williams and her husband Butch.
A memorial service will be held in JB’s honor at 11:00 AM on September 25, 2024, at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, 1511 El Dorado Blvd., Houston, Texas 77062. In remembrance of a life well-lived, JB will be missed by the many lives he touched through his love, leadership, and enduring kindness.
I bet he was wanting to play tennis with his last breath and he probably still could have beat me and the rest of our tennis bunch. He was still a good athlete into his later years. Wil miss him.
J.B. was my principal at Pearland Junior High for many years. He always stood by his teachers. He was a kind and generous man, and he shared many fun times with all of us.
J.B. was my principal at Pearland Jr High for many years. He was a kind and thoughtful man who helped me so much during my first year of teaching in Pearland. I will always be thankful for all he did, not just for me, but also for my family.
For the first 10 years of my teaching career, JB was my principal. Those were the best years I ever had as a teacher. He treated us more like a family than co-workers. It was never the same after he retired. We loved him.