James Joseph Anaya, age 62, of Friday Harbor, Wash., died
suddenly on Aug. 20.
James Joseph Anaya, age 62, of Friday Harbor, Wash., died suddenly on Aug. 20.
He was born in Gallup, N.M., on Oct. 28, 1940, to James N. and Matilda V. Anaya. His family moved to the Santa Clara Valley in 1944. Jim graduated from Santa Clara High School, where he excelled in football, receiving full scholarships to the University of Oregon and Idaho State University. After earning his teaching credential from San Jose State University, he taught high school biology and coached football at Overfelt and Pioneer. He later taught at Liberty High School for 10 years before retiring after 36 years of teaching. For 34 years, he was married to his loving wife, Mary Lou. Jim and Mary Lou lived in Gilroy for 29 years, where they raised their two daughters, Rebecca and Caroline. He and his wife had just recently moved to Friday Harbor. Jim is survived by his wife, mother and daughters.
He was preceded in death by his beloved father, James, who introduced him to fishing. Jim loved his family and friends, fly fishing, the outdoors, reading, studying maps, the 49ers and Tillie’s Chili.
On San Juan Island, a memorial in Jim’s honor was held on Aug. 25 at the home of Jim and Carolee Maya. A celebration of Jim’s life will take place on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the home of Darryl and Donna Manson in Gilroy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Trout Unlimited, 1500 Wilson Blvd, #310, Arlington, VA, 22209 or The San Juan Island Library, 1010 Guard St., Friday Harbor, WA, 98250.
