James H. Anson

James H. Anson of Auburn, IL, passed peacefully at home with his family on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.  Jim was born December 27, 1931, in Uhrichsville, Ohio, the son of Charles Warren “Pete” and Margaret (Johnson) Anson.  

Jim graduated from Uhrichsville High School in 1949.  He attended the Ohio State University from 1950 – 1952, studying Civil Engineering.  In 1952, he began his military service for the Korean Campaign.  He was an honor graduate of the Engineering Officers Candidate School in Fort Belvoir, Virginia in 1953.  Jim’s active duty in Korea was from November 17, 1953, to November 16, 1955.  His service included Platoon Leader, Company Commander of the 36th Combat Engineering Group, and an honorable discharge as a First Lieutenant in 1955. 

While on a leave in Washington D.C., he met his love, Marilyn J. (Walkington) Anson of Virden, who was working as a secretary for the Department of Defense.  They married one month after his discharge, December 18, 1955.  They were married 64 years prior to her passing on March 3, 2020.

Jim worked as a senior draftsman from 1956 – 1958 at Joy Manufacturing in New Philadelphia, Ohio.  From 1958 – 1960, he worked at States Engineering Company as a mechanical engineer in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  While working full-time, he attended Indiana Institute of Technology, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.  Throughout the rest of Jim’s career as an engineer, he would continue to take courses and trainings to further his education in the field.  Following graduation, he went to work at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company from 1960 – 1962 in St. Mary’s, Ohio.  During this time, his daughter, Michele, was born. 

In 1962, the family moved to Illinois, where Jim was employed with Sangamo Electric Company in Springfield as a Product Design Engineer from 1962 – 1968.  While there, he obtained patents on a telephone switching apparatus. 

From 1968 – 1987, Jim worked for DICKEY-john Corporation.  From the company’s inception, he was the Chief Engineer, advanced to Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer, served on the Board of Directors, and the last year there was Co-Chief Operating Officer.  He obtained numerous patents on agricultural electro-mechanical equipment during his time at Dickey-john. 

Jim finished his career at Bunn-O-Matic Corporation, working from 1987 - 2007, retiring at age 75 as Senior Vice-President and Senior Engineer.  During his years at Bunn, he obtained numerous patents on coffee and tea brewers, hot water machines, and grinders. 

Jim was a member of the American Legion, the First Christian Church of Virden, and former affiliations included the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, American Society of Quality Control, Equipment Manufacturers’ Institute, and the American Society for Testing and Materials.

His parents, Pete and Margaret; his wife, Marilyn; his brother, Robert; and his sister Betty preceded Jim in death.   He is survived by his daughter, Michele and her husband, Jan Cimarossa; the joys of his life, his grandchildren, Kelsey and Patrick Haucap, and Katelyn Wernsing.  As a grandpa, he spent every Saturday morning with the girls for many, many years, with Saturday always referred to as ‘Grandpa Day.’ He was so proud to follow them in all their sporting and academic activities, and continued to stand by and support all they did until his death.   Highlights for Jim were being able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington DC on May 17, 2016, with his son-in-law as his guardian, as well as the opportunity to speak the following year to North Mac students regarding the Honor Flight and his time in Korea at the school Veterans’ Day program with his granddaughters in attendance.    

Known for being an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan, for his giving nature, dry sense of humor, and tremendous work ethic, he will be so missed by all who truly knew the man he was.  He loved, and was devoted to, all who worked hard for him, his friends, and especially his family.  He loved nature and animals, and supported causes for both.  Should you wish to do something in Jim’s memory, please consider donating to the Animal Protective League in Springfield, or by helping someone in need. 

A military graveside service will be held at 10:00 am., July 8, 2023, at the Virden Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life will follow, from 12:30 – 3:30 pm., at the TRN Club in Springfield, celebrating the life of both Jim and Marilyn.

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