James Howard Anderson

James Howard “Pickle” Anderson, 85, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, in his home. He was born on Friday, June 28, 1940, in Glenwood, MN, the son of Reynold J. and Margaret L. (Haberer) Anderson. His family moved to the Rockford, IL, area after World War II for work. Pickle graduated from Harlem High School, Class of 1959. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army Reserves in the early 1960s. He married Sandra “Sandy” R. Empereur on May 16, 1964, in Loves Park, IL. Pickle owned and operated Anderson Awning from 1973 to 2020. He was a member of The Rockford Home Builders Association where he served on the board of directors. Pickle enjoyed being a pilot and flew Sandy and the kids on many trips. Especially memorable were their travels to Iowa to visit his sister, Sue and her family. He lived on the Rock River since the early 1950s and fully embraced the river lifestyle. Pickle and his ski buddies would ski year-round, especially on New Year’s Day, which became a tradition. Lifetime member of the Ski Broncs Water Ski Show Team. Pickle even had a cameo appearance in the 1991 National Championship Show! He was the creative mind behind the Rockness Monsters which appeared on the river starting back in 1984. Everyone he met became a lifelong friend. He was truly one of a kind and very loved. Survivors include his wife, Sandy; children, Dorey (Bob) Jakubien and Jeff “Whitey” (Jackie) Anderson; and many nieces and nephews who were all very special to him. Predeceased by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Butch Yetterberg; and nieces, Erin Hotopp and Marley Yetterberg. The family would like to express a huge thank you to Heartland Hospice and Pickles wonderful, compassionate caregivers, Hannah and Melissa.

A Celebration of Life will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the American Lombardi Society, 209 Olive Street, Rockford, IL. Cremation rites accorded. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.