Jim Peterson

James A. Peterson

A Memorial Celebration of Life for longtime Lamar resident, James A. Peterson, was held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 8, 2013 at the Lamar First Baptist Church with Pastor Dave Davis officiating. Per Mr. Peterson’s request cremation has taken place.

Jim, as he was known to many, was born on January 7, 1935 at Holly, Colorado and passed away at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs on February 27, 2013 under the care of Pikes Peak Hospice. Jim was 78.

He is preceded in death by his parents Herb and Ruth Francisco, his in-laws Herb and Thelma Drumright and his grandson Austin Peterson.

Jim is survived by his wife Joan Peterson of the family home, children; M

onty (Beth) Peterson of Castle Rock, Ron (Lori) Peterson of Lamar and Lori (David Payne) Peterson also of Lamar. He was blessed by his grandchildren: Blake (Kristilyn), Bryce (Jaimi), Brianna, Lani (Clint) Robertson, Hannah (Galen) Golden, Dusty Springer, Abby Springer, Austin, Ashley (Steve) Mullins, Ross (Halie), Nick (Amanda) Peterson and Brecken Payne.  He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren.
 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Lamar Area Hospice or to the Lamar First Baptist Church either direct or in care of the funeral home office.

James A. Peterson
 James A. Peterson was born in his grandparents home in Holly, Colorado on January 7th, 1935.  He was raised by his mother and grandparents and attended school in Holly through the 8th grade.  The family then moved to Lamar at the beginning of his freshman year, and shortly afterwards Jim’s mother Ruth married Herbert Francisco.   He attended and graduated from Lamar Union High Sch

ool where he excelled in athletics and acquired the nickname of Beetle.   It was also there that he met a cute little gal named Joan Drumright.  Jim and Joan were crowned the Carnival King and Queen of their

junior class but did not officially start dating until their senior year of high school.

Jim and Joan graduated in 1953 and Jim began working at National Alfalfa and Joan was employed at the Cut Rate Grocery Store.  Jim would frequently give Joan the keys to his car, and she would cruise around town.  This would give Jim’s granny Francisco a “heart attack”, and she nicknamed Joan Daisy Mae because she wore short shorts.

As their relationship deepened, they became engaged on Christmas Day in 1953 and planned to marry on Valentine’s Day.  Plans were changed when Jim rolled his car on his way home from the drive-in movie and had to use his savings to fix his car.  They were married on March 22, 1954 at Jim’s parent’s home on 8th street in Lamar.

Jim worked briefly for Lyle Brown at the Standard gas station before beginning his long career as a brick mason under the training of his step-father, Herb Francisco.  Many, many of the brick and stone structures in Lamar and the surrounding area were built by Jim, including several of the family homes.  He took special pride in the design and building of the fireplaces for friends and family.  Both of Jim’s boys tried their hand at bricklaying before moving on to other occupations.  He made many friendships through his contractor and construction years that followed him the rest of his life.

Jim and Joan were blessed with three children;  Monty  James, Ronald Dean and Lori Ann.  The family moved to the farm in 1966, where Jim enjoyed farming after a long day of bricklaying.  He had a great love for his farm and the animals, especially horses, cows and goats.  We used to get a chuckle when it was time to take the cattle to grass or bring them home as he always had a couple dozen that he knew by name and would share their history.  He always loved farming the few acres near his home and you could see the glow which would surface as the alfalfa field  out his front door would grow and be the envy of everyone passing by.  Jim also loved his dogs, which would travel to the daily job site no matter the weather, and later travel the back roads touring the county looking over the land and the wildlife.  Many a weekend was spent doing a few chores with a grandson or two by his side and then a dirt road tour looking for a little target practice along with many a "grandpa story" to share.

Jim and Joan loved to attend the Cowboy Ball every year and were members of the Vaqueros Saddle Club where Jim served as president.  Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman taking annual trips with his buddies, Larry, Gary and Monte, his boys and his grandkids. 

Jim was well-known in the area as an official for football and basketball and was invited to officiate at several state tournaments.  His love of sports was recognized when he was the first recipient of the Melvin Hendrickson Award honoring sportsmanship, determination and an unconditional love for the athletes competing.  Jim enjoyed watching all of the kids and grandkids activities including sporting events, the county fair, graduations and weddings.  He loved to visit whether in his home on his front porch or getting up to date with the boys at Ranchers Supply.  He always had time to listen and share his view on the topic of discussion.

Jim enjoyed traveling, beginning with road trips with the kids in the station wagon and later with trips to Hawaii, Branson and Scottsdale.  Their first trip to Hawaii was for their 25th wedding anniversary and Jim thoroughly enjoyed the weather and scenery there.  Jim and Joan enjoyed five trips to Hawaii. Over the years, there were numerous fun times with many friends and family.

Jim took a long time time to make decisions that were important, like his decision to accept Jesus as his savior.  His legacy is a testament to all the friends and family that he touched over the years and all the fond memories that we each have of him.  He lived a full and blessed life and now he is with The Lord.