Jim Tyler Anderson

James Tyler Anderson, 62, of Commerce, Texas passed away at his home on Monday, December 16, 2019. He was born on March 9, 1957 in Dallas, Texas, to Quincy "Andy" Anderson and Brunette Tyler Anderson.

Jim attended South Garland High School, graduating in 1975. Following high school, he attended Richland College, earning an associate degree. He then attended East Texas State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Theatre and English in 1981. In 1990, Jim earned his Master's in Theatre and Communications. In 1998, he began his career at Texas A&M University as a professor of theatre and playwright in residence and has been an integral part of the Theatre Department there for over twenty years. Jim was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and Alpha Psi Omega and served as an adjudicator for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. He married the love of his life, Karri, on August 22, 1981 in Garland, Texas.

Jim was a man of many talents, and became known by his professional nickname, the “Cowboy Playwright”. In addition to his work as a playwright, Jim was a rodeo cowboy, guitar player, songwriter, and an excellent cook.

Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Karri; his daughter, Audrey Pearl Anderson; his sister, Nelda Anderson Baker and her husband, Russ Baker; his niece, Tonya Wright; and his nephews Travis and Austin Keene.

He was preceded in death his parents, Quincy and Brunette Anderson, and his niece, Tricia Smith.