08/11/2026
We mourn the loss of Evergreen Tool Company’s founder, mentor, and great friend, Jim Anderson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter Kelcey and her family. 💔
Anderson, James R.
Jim Anderson was born June 12, 1943, in Duluth, Minn., and died on August 8, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisc. He graduated from high school in Ironwood, Mich., and studied engineering and architecture at the University of Minnesota and the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Only three days after starting his first engineering job at Ansul in Marinette, Wisc, Jim had to tell his new boss that Uncle Sam had drafted him over the weekend. He ultimately served as an MP in South Korea, returning to Ansul after completing his military service.
Jim was an inventor, and after a few years, moved on to establish Evergreen Tool Company in 1981 to develop hole-drilling solutions for the fire suppression industry, serving national and international clients. He married his wife, Linda Hall, in 1976, and she worked tirelessly alongside him to establish and operate the company.
Jim had a creative mind, an artist’s eye, and seemingly endless patience. He was always ready for the next problem to study and solve, and generously gave of his time and resources. His entrepreneurial, curious, and adventurous spirit took him to car shows, the Oshkosh air shows, and racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats. He was instrumental in preserving the Menominee Opera House and designed and built a children’s garden at the Menominee Public Library in Linda’s memory after she predeceased him in 2002. Jim recently published a comprehensive history of Doble steam cars and devoted many hours of work and financial support building solar panels at the UAK school in Kitindi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Jim and his family traveled extensively throughout the world, but he was happiest teaching his beloved grandchildren how to solve problems at his workbench.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Ellen Anderson; his wife, Linda Hall Anderson; and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jo (Stanley) Love.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Kelcey (Kasongo) Kalumbula; grandchildren Lyndia, Yoli, and Utezi Kalumbula; his brother, Tom (Denise) Anderson; and many Anderson cousins and friends in his far-reaching community.
Visitation will be held at Cadieu Funeral Home on Monday August 17, 2026 from 10:00 am until time of shared memories at 12:00 noon. Jim loved conversing over a cup of coffee with friends and family. His family requests your presence during this time to enjoy a cup of coffee and pastry to share stories about Jim. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Military 20 Year Club.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in Jim’s memory may be donated to Spies Public Library-Linda’s Garden or by using the PayPal link at the bottom of www.spiespubliclibrary.org
Special Thanks: The family wishes to acknowledge the extraordinary medical team at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Cancer Center and Center for Advanced Care who walked with them through this difficult journey. With gentle hands and compassionate hearts, they honored Jim’s dignity and filled his final chapter with grace.
