- James Donald Sanderson, 81, of Pittsfield died at 10:13 p.m. Thursday, September 6, 2012, at Illini Hospital in Pittsfield. He was born March 23, 1931, in Milton to Donald and Madelyn Boren Sanderson. He was married to Beverly Shultz Oct. 11, 1967. She survives and resides in St. Augustine, Florida.
James graduated from Milton High School in 1949. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He helped his father and brother on the family farm for several years. He received both his bachelors and masters degrees in Social Studies and Sociology from Western Illinois University in Macomb. He taught social studies, sociology, history, government, geography and other classes in the same room at Pittsfield High School for 31 years.
James was well known for his large collection of tractors, engines and other antiques in Milton. He also has collected Native American artifacts since the 1950s. He enjoyed traveling and visited 50 states and 10 other countries. He also enjoyed studying Pike County History and became known for being a local historian. Most of his free time was spent at his cabin on the Illinois River at Bedford. He enjoyed reading, especially 20th century maritime history.
James was a board member of the Pike County Historical Society for many years until his death. He was very active in the Democratic party. For 12 years he served on the Pike County Board. He also served on the board of Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials, among many other organizations. He was a member of Milton Lodge 275 AF&AM and a member of Pittsfield First Christian Church. Among his accomplishments were helping save the historic East School in Pittsfield from demolition and the naming of John Wood Community College. He was a Cardinal baseball fan.
Survivors include: two daughters, Kris Bridges and her husband James of Hannibal, Mo.; Kerri Gardner and her husband Bill of Jacksonville; one grandson Elijah James Gardner of Jacksonville; a sister-in-law, Kay Sanderson of Milton; two nieces, Cheryl Hayes and her husband Gary of Jacksonville, and Valerie Wiewel and her husband Bill of Quincy; a nephew, Ed Sanderson of Woodstock; three great nieces, Abby Wiewel, Alyssa Sanderson, and Khristina Helmich ; a great nephew, Adam Wiewel, and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Sanderson.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at Milton Christian Church, the Rev. Jerry Edison officiating. Burial will be at Blue River Cemetery near Detroit with graveside military honors accorded by the Pittsfield American Legion Post #152 and Macomb Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be Ed Sanderson, Bill Wiewel, Gary Hayes, Jim Graham, Phil Graham, and Danny Graham. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Ray, Marie Smith, Theresa Shanks, and the noon lunch group from Mangley’s Restaurant in Milton.
Charitable donations may be made in James's memory to the following organization:
Pike County Historical Society
|
1931 - 2012 (Age 81) 
Submit Photo / Document
Set As Default Person 
1910 - 2001 (Age 90)
[1, 2]