James R. Anthony

James R. Anthony, 84, of Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, IN and formerly of Granger, died peacefully July 3, 2026 at Dujarie Hall at Holy Cross Village. 

Jim was born on Sept. 29, 1941, to Robert and Marcella Anthony in South Bend, starting his education at St. Joseph Grade School and continuing at St. Joseph High School. He then attended and graduated from the University of Notre Dame, earning a BA degree in 1963, followed by a J.D. from Notre Dame Law School in 1966. 

While an undergraduate, Jim had also joined the Army’s ROTC -- Reserved Officer Training Corps.  Following additional training, he served in Vietnam from July 1967- July 1968 with the Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division. His service involved high-risk helicopter flights throughout the Republic of South Vietnam to conduct interviews and prepare military cases. He won the Bronze Star Medal for his courageous service. 

After completing his active military service, Captain Anthony headed for Washington, D.C. where he served for many years as a Staff Legal Advisor and later as a Member of the Board of Veteran’s Appeals for the Veterans Administration. 

After decades of devoted service to the Army, Army Reserve and veterans, Lt. Col. Anthony returned home to Indiana to be closer to his mother and other family members. He became a member of St. Pius X Church in Granger and relished the annual excitement of Notre Dame’s football season. 

In retirement, Jim courageously dealt with growing health challenges. In 2019, he sold his Granger home and moved to Holy Cross Village to receive additional care. He loved his small apartment in Schubert Villa and attending the 11:30 am Mass each day at the chapel nearby. Though a quiet man, other residents and staff at Holy Cross Village discovered his extraordinary kindness, generosity, wit and deep faith. 

Jim is survived by his five siblings: Mary Jane (Greg) Kilduff, of Smithfield, Virginia, Elizabeth Anthony, M.D. of Pinole, California, Catherine M. (William) Odell of South Bend, Paul L. Anthony of O’Fallon, Missouri and Barbara J. (Bruce) Twarog, of Lawrence, Kansas. Surviving family members also include 13 nieces and nephews and 24 great-nieces and nephews. 

Visitation for friends and family will be held at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, July 9 in a chapel at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow there at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery at Notre Dame. Kanieweski Funeral Home has assisted the family with arrangements. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph County, Women’s Care Centers of South Bend and Mishawaka, or the Center for Hospice Care (Mishawaka). 

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