James Michael “Dancer” Anderson
November 29,1947 - October 30, 2017
James Michael Anderson, born in Oakland and a lifetime Bay Area resident, passed away unexpectedly on Halloween Eve, 2017.
He is survived by his wife Jeannie Campbell Anderson (Bauman), for almost 30 years of romance, love and dancing. From their initial meeting at nightclub DV8 in November of 1987 it was love at first sight for Jim. They were married in a fairy tale wedding at the Dunsmuir House in September 1990. After residing on Seminary Ave. in Oakland for over 30 years, he was known as “The Mayor of Seminary” to friends and neighbors. In March of 2003, Jim decided he wanted a more mellow existence, so in March of 2003, they moved to the town of Orinda, CA. Both homes were a sanctuary to comedians and rock-and-roll stars visiting from their tours, with many home cooked meals from Jim’s yummy cooking, and the constant entertainment day and night. You just never knew who you would find relaxing at the Anderson home.
Jim always believed in “family first”. He is the son of the late Lorraine Nunes Anderson and Robert Leroy Anderson, and the oldest of six siblings. He was predeceased by his brother Larry Anderson, and sister Cindy Bisaillon(Rob). He is survived by sister Carol Barger (Michael), sister Diana Nobriga (Harry Souza), brother Thomas Anderson (Michele). Jim is the father of Michael William Anderson, (Nicki Brumback) and grandfather to Seven Anderson, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by previous spouses Julie Johnson (Cook), mother of Michael and grandmother to Seven, and Elaine M. Vallette.
Jimmy graduated Tennyson High School in Hayward, Class of 1965, and proceeded to become well known in the music and rock-and-roll industry. He will always be remembered and loved by his many, many friends in the Bay Area and all over the country.
He earned the nickname “Dancer” from his days on Haight Street and concerts at the venues of The Fillmore, Avalon Ballroom, Winterland, Golden Gate Park and wherever there was live music. His love of life and music was dearly appreciated by Bill Graham, immortalized in song by Tower of Power, along with many performing artists, including Gregg Allman, who was his brother in life for almost 50 years.
Jim worked as Gregg’s tour manager and confidant for many years, ultimately introducing him to the Alameda All Stars, which would become the back-up band for Gregg’s tour and solo career in the 1990’s. Gregg and Jimmy loved riding their Harley Davidson motorcycles and leading charity runs together.
After completing many music tours all over the world, in 1999 Jim decided to settle down to a more conventional lifestyle with his wife by opening Anderson Antiques at Bush and Baker in San Francisco. There were quarterly visits to Europe for purchasing the much sought-after treasures that he always took pride in owning, sharing, and/or selling. In 2003 he and his wife moved Anderson Antiques to Orinda, CA where Jim became a well-known figure in the community.
His “larger than life” presence, 6’ 4” stature, and full, shoulder-length long mane of wavy blonde hair, made him an easily recognized gentleman wherever he went. Humorously, he became 6’5” after a double knee replacement surgery in 2015. Five weeks later he was up dancing, and stayed true to his nickname “Dancer” until the last day of his life.
Besides previously listed passions, he also loved his annual fishing trip to Sandbar Flats, where for over 50 years he enjoyed fishing, nature, hiking, cooking and chilling out around the campfire, sharing stories with family and friends.
There is a large gaping hole in the universe without Dancer Jim’s existence on Earth.
Jeannie Anderson would like to invite friends, acquaintances, family and adopted family, to join in the heartfelt Celebration of “Dancer Jim’s” Life on Sunday, February 11th, 2018, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. at 1015 Folsom Nightclub in S.F. (21 or over only). Please bring donations of clothing for Steve Sodokoff’s Gimme Shelter Clothing Drive—truck will be in front. This entire event is in honor of Dancer Jim’s love of life, romance, his big heart and Valentine’s Day. He will be in all of our hearts forever.