James Bruce Anderson 87, of Ashland, Missouri, passed away peacefully at Caring Hearts & Hands of Columbia on February 20, 2026.

J.B. was born on January 21, 1939 in Zion, IL, the son of James & Irene Anderson. He grew up in Zion and later in Carrollton, Missouri, graduating from Carrollton HS in 1957. He attended the University of Missouri where he flourished as the Drum Major for Marching Mizzou. He finished college at Culver Stockton College, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He married the love of his life Reva Holman Anderson on December 27, 1970 in Kansas City, MO. J.B. and Reva moved to Osage Beach, MO where they spent an active life at The Lake of the Ozarks. J.B. was a long time co-owner & proprietor of Links Landing Marina at the lake and Reva worked many years for Missouri Public Schools as Guidance Councilor.

Reva & J.B. built their custom home on the lake known as “Jagstone Haven” where they created a live jaguar habit that extended to the lake shore. There, they bottle raised their two beloved jaguars Chaquita and Pepe Le Pew. Thousands of boaters enjoyed cruising by Jagstone Haven over the years admiring the Anderson jaguars. J.B. and Reva moved to Ashland, Missouri in retirement where they continued their love of big cats, sharing their Ashland farm home with Sleet, a snow leopard and Biff, a lynx.

J.B. was a man of many interests and passions. He owned several sports cars in his life and had a special love for British cars. He had the honor of driving former Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan over the lake bridge in J.B.’s Jaguar XKE convertible at the commemoration of the new bridge. J.B. was an expert water skier and an acrobat, as he could perform tricks on a ski board and he rode his tall unicycle in many town parades over the years. J.B. enjoyed his role as Wine Sommelier at the Potted Steer and Blue Heron restaurants at the lake. J.B. and Reva loved music and theatre, and were active performers. His personal favorite role was his part in Greater Tuna with Royal Theater in Versailles, Mo. He also enjoyed traveling the world, and was especially thrilled to have a late-in-life Wine River Cruise in Europe. J.B. was a prolific sports fan. He loved his Missouri Tigers & Kansas City Chiefs. He and Reva traveled to Summer and Winter Olympic Games throughout the world. J.B. was a loving Uncle to his six nieces and nephews. He taught them all how to water ski in their youth. J.B. was an active member of Nashville Baptist Church. He was loved by many, as he leaves behind dear neighbors in Ashland, friends from church, and friends at Ashland Villa Assisted Living Center.

J.B. was preceded in death by his parents, two older sisters Beverly and Jarene, and his wife Reva.

A visitation will be held at Nashville Baptist Church, 355 W Nashville Church Road Ashland, MO 65010 on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 10-11AM with Funeral Services at 11AM.

In leu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Nashville Baptist Church or Feline Conservation Federation in care of Robinson-Yager Funeral Home PO Box 68 Ashland, MO 65010.