Mountain Home Resident J.R. Anderson Dies at 84

Anderson was a longtime carpenter, church leader, and community volunteer.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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James Ralph "J.R." Anderson, a longtime resident of Mountain Home, Arkansas, passed away on February 8, 2026, at the age of 84. Anderson was a carpenter by trade, working in construction for over 20 years before spending 23 years at the Ozark County Gas company. He was also deeply involved in his local church, serving as a song leader, deacon, and Sunday school superintendent.

Why it matters

J.R. Anderson's passing marks the end of an era for the close-knit Mountain Home community, where he was known as a dedicated family man, active churchgoer, and tireless volunteer. His life of service and community involvement serves as an inspiration to others in the region.

The details

Born in 1941 in Mammoth, Missouri, Anderson graduated from Gainesville High School and served in the U.S. Army before returning home to become a carpenter. He met his wife, Sandra Kay Edwards, in 1963, and they were married the following year. Anderson had two sons, Vincent and Timothy, and was deeply involved in his local Assembly of God churches, serving in various leadership roles over the decades.

  • J.R. Anderson was born on February 21, 1941.
  • Anderson met his wife Sandra on November 22, 1963.
  • Anderson and Sandra were married on August 21, 1964.
  • Anderson's son Vincent was born in September 1965.
  • Anderson passed away on February 8, 2026.

The players

J.R. Anderson

An 84-year-old longtime resident of Mountain Home, Arkansas, who worked as a carpenter and was deeply involved in his local church community.

Sandra Kay Anderson

J.R. Anderson's wife of over 60 years, who passed away prior to him.

Vincent Anderson

One of J.R. Anderson's two sons.

Timothy Anderson

One of J.R. Anderson's two sons.

Ozark Center of Hope

A local non-profit organization in Mountain Home, Arkansas, that the Anderson family has requested donations be made to in J.R.'s honor.

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What’s next

A funeral service for J.R. Anderson will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Conner Family Funeral Home Chapel in Mountain Home.

The takeaway

J.R. Anderson's life of service, faith, and community involvement serves as an inspiring example for the Mountain Home area, where he was known as a beloved figure who never met a stranger and dedicated himself to helping others through his church and volunteer work.