James Robert "Pocket" Anderson

Obituary James Robert Anderson was born March 13, 1938 to the late Ernest Walter and Bertha Speller Anderson. On February 23, 2015 at the age of 76, James entered eternal life and went to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his son Ollie Eugene (Junnie) Jackson, his parents, Ernest and Bertha Anderson; sisters, Amanda Pryor, Marion Lewis, Bertha Anderson, Virginia Ryan and brothers Everett, Horace and Harold Anderson. James was affectionately known as “Pocket” to his family and friends. Pocket accepted Christ at an early age at the Bethlehem Baptist Church and became an active baptized member serving faithfully on the Men’s Usher Board, Men’s Fellowship and Men’s Sunday School Class until his health started to decline. He was instrumental in recruiting men to join the Men’s Usher’s Ministry. Even in declining health, he continued to attend Men’s Tuesday night Bible Study and Sunday services. He was also Past Worship Master of Henrico Masonic Lodge # 41. At an early age Pocket showed an uncanny ability to be inquisitive, which led to his wit and his incredible sense of humor; he was a true charmer. Pocket attended Richmond Public Schools and after being skipped twice, he graduated from Armstrong High School at the age of 16 with the proud Wildcat Class of 1955. He developed his strong work ethic as a young worker for the 9-11 super market in downtown Richmond. He was engrafted by different cultures and developed some lifelong friendships. He was later employed at A. H. Robins Pharmaceutical Company retiring after 32 years of service. During the summer of 1960, Pocket carried a young friend of his nephew’s named Kelvin home on his shoulders and was introduced as “Uncle Pocket” to Kelvin’s mother, Constance. Two years later when Constance and Pocket married, it was no longer Uncle Pocket when he became Dad to two young boys, Junnie and Kelvin. In 1964 a daughter, Cyndee was born, followed by son, Reginald in 1966. Pocket lived to provide for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. With all of these roles, came some of the names he was affectionately known as: Pocket, Hy- Pocket, Daddy, Daddy Pocket, Uncle Pocket, Pop Pocket, Robert James, Andy, Andy Cap, Papa Doc and Pop. He answered to them all. Pop’s greatest joy was his family. He especially loved watching his grandkids grow and prosper in life. When the doctors tried to explain to him just how sick he really was, he responded by informing the doctors that he had another four more years to live because he still had two grandsons that had not yet finished school. Pocket’s other joy was the “love of his life” Constance. He loved himself some “Boo” his “Honey”. He would be ever so quick to acknowledge that it was because of the goodness of God, and the good woman God blessed him with, that he was able to have lived 13 years well past his so called expiration date (according to his doctors) but we know differently as proclaims Psalm 90:10. Although Pocket is no longer with us in this realm; his spirit will live with us forever. He leaves to cherish his memory his dedicated, loving wife Constance, his children Kelvin and Lolita, Cyndee and Dwayne, Reginald and Tara. His grandchildren: Tanisha, Nikita and Tony, Kelvin Jr., Dwayne II, Diamond, Savannah, Anastasia, Reginald II, James and David. His great grandchildren: Tahj, Tori, Tayvaughn, Tamia, Monte, and K’yem. Six siblings: Rev. E Walter Anderson (Lois), Doris Stokes, Reginald Anderson, Gwendolyn Pitts (Ethan), Herbert Anderson (Emma) and Lewis Anderson. Sisters in-law: Delois Anderson, Freda Anderson, Lauritta Anderson, Barbara Thomas and brother in-law, Johnnie Thomas; cousins Barrington Anderson of Washington D.C and Darnell Anderson (Wendy) of Maryland, as well as many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends among them, one devoted friend, Stanley Brown and a four legged black lab named Encanta. His beloved and faithful brother to the end, Herbert, always said that “Pocket had something special; he was one of a kind.” WHAT WOULD POP SAY? Close that door! Boo, you got something to eat for them boys? I’m cold Where’s my dog? Hey, Suga Suga Not particu- arrrrr- ly Shut that door! Where the kids? Bye now Don’t nobody tell me nothing I had a bath last week, water rust iron and sink ships Honey? I love you too darling I don’t like chicken Get out the room for a minute Pick that up – look over there – Move! Shut that ---- door! Give me my glasses You got my bag? Give me a glass of water Oh --- naw! Where’s Boo? My name Jimmy, take anything you gimmie My name Benny, I ain't in it!

Tributes

James Robert "Pocket" Anderson

March 13, 1938 - February 23, 2015