Friends of former Powell Co. Judge-Executive remember his life and legacy

POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - On Tuesday, former Powell County Judge-Executive James Anderson died suddenly.

Kentucky State Police said he fell off of an equipment trailer in Jackson County and later died at a local hospital.

Following this tragedy, those who worked with him are sharing more about his life.

He served as Powell County Judge-Executive from 2012 until 2022.

“He was a very humble person. That’s probably one of the best compliments I can give him,” said Powell County Clerk Jackie Everman. “He wasn’t a flashy-type person. If he did something, you hardly knew that he did it because he didn’t like to take credit for a lot of things.”

Rebecca Blankenship worked on Anderson’s re-election campaign in 2022.

“You know, Donald Trump had won Powell County by 45 points as a Republican, and James only lost by five as a Democrat, so that tells you. People were willing to cross the aisle for him because he was willing to cross the aisle for them,” Blankenship said.

Blankenship added that he helped to establish the county’s Emergency Dispatch and Operation Center, helped to bring high-speed internet to the county, and brought in millions of dollars in grant funding.

“James would do anything for the people of Powell County, and he did,” Blankenship said. “James’ legacy is one about caring for your neighbors, about treating every single person like they belong and they have a future in the place where they live.”

Anderson also supported the creation of Hollerwood ATV Park, the senior citizen center, and the county’s animal shelter.

His visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 at Stanton Christian Church.

His funeral will also take place at the church but on Monday at 1:00 p.m.