James "Jim" P. Peterson's Obituary
James Palmer Peterson, age 87, was called to eternal rest on May 12, 2025. Jim was born July 31, 1937 to Palmer and Judith (Anderson) Peterson in Bagley, MN. Raised in Bagley, he was confirmed September 14, 1952. He graduated from Bagley High School in 1955 and subsequently relocated to California.
Jim attended two years at Long Beach Community College before he became a Naval Officer and Aviator. He served aboard the USS Yorktown in Vietnam as an Aviator and Landing Signal Officer. After leaving the Navy he held several pilot positions in Minnesota until hired by the Waupaca Foundry as the company’s chief pilot in January 1977. He retired in 2000.
He married the love of his life, Eleanor Joyce Oare, on June 2, 1962. They celebrated their 62nd anniversary last year. Together they had three children - Sarah, Jennifer, and Theodore.
Jim was highly active and engaged with the Waupaca community as a member of the Chamber Board, United Way Board, Trinity Lutheran Church, Waupaca Community Chorus, Waupaca Community Theatre group, Mobility 4 Vets Wheelchair Shop, and EAA AirVenture.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Sidney Peterson, nephews - Lee Patten, Lance Patten, and Kevin Peterson.
He is survived by his wife Eleanor; children - Sarah (Sandi) Lakewood, Jennifer Peterson (Mary Jo LeGrand), Theodore (Nichole) Peterson; grandchildren - Emily Peterson, Aanon Peterson, and Bente Peterson. He is also survived by sister LaVern (Larry) Patten, sister-in-law Ann Peterson, many in-laws, nieces, nephews and extended family.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca. View livestream clickhere Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until time of service at 1:00 PM at the Church. Burial will follow at Central WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King, WI. Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
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