James F. Anderton, 83, of Marissa, IL, died at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday April 25, 2023, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL after a brief illness.

He was born in Du Quoin, IL, on March 25, 1940, to Frank and Pauline (McDonald) Anderton. On August 30, 1963, he married Barbara Ann Crawford in her parents’ home in Mt. Vernon, IL.  Barbara preceded him in death on September 18, 2004.  He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Brent T. Anderton.

Survivors include his wife of 11 years, Barbara H. Anderton (nee Hill), his son, James R. Anderton of New Orleans, LA, his daughter, Janet Lautzenheiser of Monroe, WI, and his sister, Suzanne Roule of Christopher, IL.

He was a 1958 graduate of Christopher High School, Christopher, IL, where he participated in the football, basketball and track teams, and the marching band.  He was a 1962 graduate of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.  He was the band director at Marissa Grade School from 1968 to 1990. In 1976, he led the grade school band to its one and only First Superior Rating at the State Organization Contest.  He continued his employment at Marissa Unit District #40 as a fifth-grade classroom teacher until his retirement in 1999.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Monday May 1, 2023 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL.

Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Monday May 1, 2023 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL.  with Rev. Dennis Hamilton officiating.  Burial at Marissa Cemetery and a reception at the Marissa TWP Building will follow.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Cindy Walker says:

   05/07/2023 at 12:11 pm

   My sincerest sympathies for your loss. All three of my children loved having Mr. Anderson as their teacher.

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2. Powell Hill says:

   05/06/2023 at 12:52 pm

   Although I never met Jim it comforts me to know how loving he was to my sister. May rest in piece and also live in Barbie s heart.

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3. Mike Bottiaux says:

   04/28/2023 at 3:38 pm

   Barb, Jim Jr & Janet,

   I was so sad hearing the news of Jim’s passing. He was instrumental in my many yrs of playing music. Your family has always been so kind. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time.

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4. Beth Stanford (Quick) says:

   04/28/2023 at 11:52 am

   Mr Anderton taught me how to play the flute one summer; just well enough to be in band the following year. He was a patient man. Great memories. To his family, I am sorry for your loss. He was awesome!

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5. Janice Eyler says:

   04/27/2023 at 7:50 pm

   Barb our thoughts and prayer are with you and Jim’s family

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6. Don and Dorothy Bollmeier says:

   04/27/2023 at 11:06 am

   Our condolences to the Anderton family. May God comfort all loved him.

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   • Mindi Eyler says:

     04/27/2023 at 12:35 pm

     My mother, Barbara Anderton (nee Hill) had some of her best years with Jim! We all will miss him very much. He was the light in my mother’s life and her rock. I hope they’ll be together again one day. May God comfort her and all other family and friends who loved Jim.

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