Jon Anderson
September 26, 1940 - March 13, 2024
Jon Tobias Anderson, passed away at the age of 83, in the early morning of March 13, 2024. Born on the high plains of far northwestern Kansas, on September 26, 1940, Jon grew up in Paradise, Kansas.
Frequently the smartest person in any room, Jon was known for his lightning-fast wit, high intelligence and gentle humor that warmed the lives of all he met. He devoted his life to service to his country and to the interests of Justice under Law. For his service as General Counsel of the National Security Agency, he was awarded the Presidential Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service.
Jon graduated from Harvard University with both a Master of Arts in East Asian Studies and a Juris Doctor from the Harvard Law School. Before attending Harvard University, Jon served as a naval officer in the Pacific Fleet, after graduating from Kansas University with a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language and History.
Jon joined the San Francisco Law Firm, Thelen, Marrin, Johnson, and Bridges, after law school. He also enjoyed practicing U.S. law in Jakarta, Indonesia, before he returned to San Francisco and the Thelen firm. As a partner in the firm, Jon primarily practiced construction law, except for his years as General Counsel of the National Security Agency. After Jon retired from the practice of law in 2011, he taught construction law at Santa Clara University School of Law and served as a member of the San Francisco Civil Grand Jury as well as on the Board of Directors of the Presidio Heights Association of Neighbors.
Jon and Dorothy Glancy married in 1979. In addition to loving each other and sharing some of the most interesting of dinner conversations, they enjoyed traveling the world together, as well as attending classical music concerts and ballet performances.
Jon was happy to get up before dawn to join friends for a round of golf, as the sun came up through the chilly fog. Jon’s warm kindness, his enduring patience, his good humor and his remarkable intelligence brought joy to all who knew him.
We remember Jon’s intense blue eyes, his loyalty and persistent kindness, as well as Jon’s keen intelligence and willingness to lend a generous hand. These are only some of the facets of Jon T. Anderson that made the time we shared with him unique.
Those who wish to remember Jon are requested to make thoughtful contributions to their favorite charities. A celebration of Jon’s life is planned for the afternoon of April 26. For details, please send an email to glancyanderson@gmail.com that includes how you remember Jon and how many people will join you in attending Jon’s Celebration of Life.