James David "Jim" Anderson was born in Yellowknife, took an education degree from the University of Alberta and taught social studies for six years before earning his masters in regional studies from UBC in 1970. In 1971 he was the first professional with specialized training in park planning hired by the BC Parks Branch.

In over 30 years with the government he was involved in almost every aspect of parks management and creation and had a front row seat in the most dramatic period of the park system's growth. Jim and his wife live in Victoria, BC.