Jim Tyler Anderson, senior lecturer and playwright in residence in the department of Theatre at Texas A&M University-Commerce, died Monday, December 16th, according to an obituary page at the website of Commerce Funeral Home. Anderson was 62.
According to his published curriculum vita, Anderson began his professional career with East Texas State University in 1981 as as a graduate assistant instructor in the Department of Communication and Theatre. He later became an adjuct instructor in both Theatre and Literature and Languages, and later an ad interim faculty lecturer.
From 1998 until his death, Anderson has held his current title. His many writing credits include stage productions such as Ruby Rose Rides Again, One Soldier Wounded, Lonesome Tonight, and most recently, Idol Hill, which was produced by the University Playhouse.
Some of Anderson's Playhouse directing credits include 2004's Arsenic and Old Lace and Star Girl, a play for children which made a return to the stage in 2018, as well as Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Always... Patsy Cline, Sanders Family Christmas, and most recently, a 2019 production of Cul-de-Sac.
From 2010 until 2016, Anderson played a leadership role for Region VI of the Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival and was a respondent for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for the past nine years.
Anderson is remembered by students and contemporaries as a coach, a mentor, an encourager, a friend, a consummate professional and a guide who could see and develop potential in student actors, playwrights, and technicians.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, December 28th at 2:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center on the A&M-Commerce Campus.
