The Golden Standard: As J.W. and Anita are celebrating 50 years of marriage, their family wants to celebrate their love for Jesus and each other

J.W. worked at Union Camp/International Paper for 40 years and is a true outdoorsman who loves to hunt and fish. Anita was a stay-at-home mom and is a master piano player. J.W. and Anita together are a wonderful couple who are devoted parents and professional grandparents.

But yet, what makes J.W. and Anita truly great is not the way they treat others. It is not the compassion in their heart either. As a matter of fact, it is their shared love for their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and they are not afraid to show it.

J.W. and Anita really set the tone in their lives to ensure nothing comes between them and God. They built a firm foundation, and it has helped them have a loving marriage and to raise their children and grandchildren up with the right morals and principles.

Speaking of which, this amazing couple lives their lives for other people, as they are two of the most selfless individuals you will ever meet. J.W. is always willing to barbecue or build in his shop whatever is asked, and Anita is always willing to cook for and pray over anyone. As a couple, they are unstoppably heartfelt and giving.

“I admire how much they give and never ask for anything in return,” their son Jay said. “The greatest gift we can give them is our presence. They love us with everything in their being.”

Jay (married to Ashley), his sister Lynn (married to Brandon) and their younger brother Robbie (married to Laura) all know just how dedicated their parents have been. They know that J.W. and Anita were always there for them, making many memories and focused on creating a loving atmosphere. They always provided too, with J.W. making the dough and Anita taking care of the house and food.

They did it all with passion too, and now they are doing the same thing with their grandkids. Jacob, Mia, Hunter, Lucas, Lena, Wyatt, Charlie, Raylan and Jayton all have two wonderful grandparents to look up to as role models in many ways. From learning great values to the importance of the great outdoors, they are always taking some sort of lesson away from their grandparents.

“They have always been the example of what a loving marriage and what being a loving parent looks like,” Jay said. “They both love Jesus and serve in different ways at their church. Mom was in a Christian band recently that traveled to local churches performing music. They are both always willing to do anything they can to help anyone in our family, whether it be their kids or grandkids.”

J.W. and Anita are always there and they are always loving. The love of Jesus shines through the both of them, and that is something they will be glad to be reminded about.

They are also great at anything they set their minds to, and their selflessness, kindness and presence have always shined through. They have always shown up for their family, and they are there for friends at all times.

J.W. and Anita are certainly a wonderful couple, and their golden anniversary is just another great milestone in their illustrious lives.

“They are loved and appreciated by their kids. We know the sacrifices they made and are still making every day. We appreciate how they raised us with love and respect and helped mold us all into successful adults that love Jesus.” – Jay