Jim Peterson

Madison/Appleton - Peter James "Jim" Peterson, age 83, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016 following a lengthy and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
Jim was born December 17, 1932 in St. Paul, MN to Raymond and Margaret (Arnold) Peterson. Jim grew up in the San Francisco Bay area, graduating from Sequoia Union High School in Redwood City, CA in 1951. Jim attended San Jose State University before beginning his career. His time spent in California started a special connection to Ansel Adams and his photography, a passion Jim would carry through his life.
On December 21, 1957, Jim was united in marriage to Jean Ruth Block in Fond du Lac, WI. They were blessed with nearly 50 years of marriage before Jean's passing in 2007.
Jim and Jean settled in Appleton and raised three daughters there. Jim joined the Appleton Coated Paper Co. in June of 1959, where his career spanned more than three decades. In his free time, Jim greatly enjoyed golf, travel, basketball, reading, music, art, and long walks outdoors; but he especially loved spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his quick wit, great sense of humor, unfailing generosity and being a true gentleman who loved to help others.
Jim is survived by his daughters; Sonja (Dave Kozlowski) Edgerton, Gretchen (Steve) Klein, both of Appleton, and Amy (Jesse) Olson of Madison, seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, three nephews, and two nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father; Raymond and step-mother; Bernice Ford Peterson, mother; Margaret Arnold, and sister; Margaret "Maggie" Peterson Shank.
Jim will be missed dearly by so many whose lives he touched throughout the years. He always put others before himself and delighted in making people smile and laugh. Jim was a great storyteller who never forgot a detail about a single golf round he played. Those who knew Jim enjoyed hearing stories of his life growing up in San Francisco, his personal family connection to Ansel Adams and his passion for his Scandinavian ancestry.
We will remember and honor Jim Peterson, a wonderful father, grandpa and friend, with Celebration of Life gatherings as follows:
Sunday, January 29, 2017 at Riverview Gardens, 1101 S. Oneida Street, Appleton from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Memorial tribute and words of remembrance will begin at 3:00 p.m. AND Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Nakoma Golf Club, 4145 Country Club Road, Madison from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Memorial tribute and words of remembrance will begin at 4:00 p.m.
Jim's family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers of Oakwood Village, Brightstar, and Agrace Hospice for their care and support during Jim's final years spent in Madison.
Gifts may be made to the Oakwood Foundation in memory of Jim.