James Carl “J.C.” Anderson was a pioneer and self-made businessman, starting his own exploration and production company in 1968, building one of Canada’s largest exploration and production companies from ground up with a total enterprise value of $7.2 billion, providing thousands of employment opportunities. Anderson sold the company in 2001 and launched Anderson Energy Inc., which also focused on oil and natural gas production – the corporation went public in September 2005. In 2006, he was inducted to the Calgary Business Hall of Fame.
Beside his business accomplishments, Anderson was dedicated to supporting and furthering equestrian sport in Canada. He first became involved with show jumping while cheering on all four of his children in their equestrian pursuits, from competing on ponies in their childhood to enjoying international success while representing the maple leaf on the Canadian Equestrian Team.
Along with the support of his wife Barbara Anderson, JC constructed a world class Show Jumping venue on the Anderson Ranch property in 1980, holding international-level competitions, including trials for the 1986 World Championships. Anderson Ranch grew to include Rocky Mountain Show Jumping (RMSJ), a world-class equestrian facility that hosts multiple show jumping tournaments annually.
JC’s son John Anderson remembers his father as “always very philanthropic and loved to support the community where he was fortunate to become such a business success. It was on the final night during the $100,000 Spirit of West Cup at the inaugural Royal West I hosted in 2014 where he told me that he was proud of the work I had done bringing this event to the show jumping community” said JC’s son John Anderson. “John, you know, when I go to the big gas field in the sky, I hope you are able to continue supporting and giving to the sport that has given so much to you over the years.”
The J.C. Anderson Legacy Fund is the fund that was started with JC’s generous contribution years ago. “It is the fund that I can make annual charitable donations. supporting Canada’s Equestrian Youth is a no brainer for me, and I will continue to do so in the future. I am honoured that the fund is receiving this recognition,” said John Anderson.
The Anderson family, including J.C., were inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame in 2011 under the builder category, in honour of their contributions to show jumping in Canada. Along with his dedication to equestrian, he regularly supported a wide range of charities, including a donation of $11 million in shares to the Calgary Foundation in2001.
EC is grateful for the commitment, dedication, and financial support the J.C. Anderson Legacy Fund, directed by his eldest son John has shown to the show jumping youth community, especially for the youth championships in 2021.
Created in 2005, the EC Sponsor of the Year Award recognizes the significant impact that corporate sponsorship has on Canadian show jumping. Past recipients include BMO Financial Group (2019), Grant Production Testing Services Ltd. (2018), SSG Gloves, (2017) and the Younger-Millar Family (2016). For a complete list of award recipients, click here.
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J.C. Anderson with his family after being inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame at the 2011 gala for the category of Builder. (L to R: Bryan, Susan, Sandra, John, J.C. and Barbara).
Photo Credit: Michelle C. Dunn