Jack E. Anderson, Commander, U.S. Navy (Ret) of Inverness, Florida passed away October 3, 2025. He was 80 years old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jack was born in Maywood, Illinois and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a young boy he found a love for sports and played throughout his life. After graduation from Highland High School, he attended New Mexico State University where he played baseball for the Aggies. Upon earning his degree, he began his career with the United States Navy in Pensacola, Florida attending and completing Officer Candidate School. While in Pensacola, he met and married his wife of 56 years, Lucy. Together they moved to Corpus Christi, Texas where he earned his pilot\u2019s wings in prop pilot training. While raising their family, Jack was assigned to various military bases where he flew P-3 Orion aircraft and later became an instructor pilot. During his 20 plus year career, Jack earned several commendations and highest rank of Commander. Upon retirement from the Navy, as a civilian, he continued to serve his country as Chief of Recreation at the Naval Base Panama Canal Zone and Director of the Youth Center at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. In 2005, he and Lucy moved from New Memphis, Illinois to Inverness, Florida where he taught at Inverness Middle School for eleven years. Jack enjoyed watching sports, was an avid golfer with eight holes in one, and spending time with family and friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Left to cherish his memory are four daughters: Kim (Jeff) Schulz, Laura Anderson, Helen Anderson, Sara (Joel) Raney; one brother, Mike (Dorie) Anderson; seven grandchildren: Aaron, Brad, Brendan (LeighAnn), Kaylee, Ryan, Carson and Gerrard; and one great granddaughter, Laila. In addition, his sister-in-law Sue Butler, brother-in-law Othel (Susan) Tucker, many nieces, nephews, his best friend Morise (Jutta) and many longtime dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank E. and Helen M. Anderson and his wife, Lucy (Tucker) Anderson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n