James Donald Peterson

Funeral services for James Donald Peterson will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 22, 2012 at New Life Wesleyan Church with Pastor Billy Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 21, 2012 at Gillette Memorial Chapel.Jim Peterson, age 69, of Gillette, Wyoming went to meet his Savior on October 17, 2012. Jim Peterson was born June 9, 1943 in Chester, South Dakota to Donald Edward and Glendolyn Jeanette (Prunty) Peterson. Jim was the older of two children born into this marriage. Jim married Brenda Joy Bliss on April 24, 1971 in Brookings, South Dakota and to this union was born Hilary Joy. Jim attended school in various towns across South Dakota graduating from Clear Lake in 1961. He enjoyed working on the farm; especially training two pigs he named "Baby Hogkins" and "Piggy" to help him with farm chores. He had a love for animals which was good as no cat could be turned away by his wife, Brenda. Jim worked with a combine crew in Kansas after graduation and was given the opportunity of 'swiping' the first row of the harvest in the vast Kansas landscape. Jim was called to attend Bob Jones University in South Carolina during 1966-1968 and enjoyed teaching the Word of God on street corners as part of his ministerial studies. Laying the foundation for his future service for the Savior he loved.He then worked for Prunty Construction and Halstead Construction operating the scraper and opening the land for new roads and other dirt moving projects during the '69-'77 years along with adjusting to life with his new bride. In 1978, Jim and Brenda moved to Gillette, Wyoming remaining here until his home going. Jim worked for Carter Mining/Peabody Coal Company as a production technician until his retirement in 2000. After his 'retirement' he worked for Dry Fork Coal as a Production Tech followed by a stint for Energy Dodge as a courtesy driver and some seasonal work for DRM construction. Jim was always busy with his yard work enjoying his cherry tree nurturing it or working in his garden. Many enjoyed the fruits of his labor sharing his garden produce and cherries with friends and neighbors. When health issues became a concern Jim fully retired and enjoyed traveling with his family. They enjoyed numerous trips to discover Wyoming's vast history and beauty along with Arizona and New Mexico, which were his favorite places on the mainland until he traveled to Maui, Hawaii. Jim and Brenda were able to travel numerous times through the years to visit Napili Point Resort in Maui and enjoy the diversity of the indigenous people, warm temperatures and the beautiful sunsets over the calm ocean. One of his highlights was dining on the lanai with the love of his life, Brenda. He also enjoyed searching for frogs as a nightly ritual you had to know Jim's sense of humor! He enjoyed a good laugh and would share humorous anecdotes or witticisms with anyone showing an interest in conversation. Far Side jokes could find him laughing with tears emanating from him!He had a compassion for people and enjoyed serving in various capacities in churches wherever he lived his heart was to serve his Jesus. Teaching Sunday school or adult Bible classes especially with Brenda at New Life Wesleyan Church was something he loved. The books of John or Acts were his favorites but any topic was not off limits with Jim. He loved teaching and studying the Word. Jim's love for his daughter and grandchildren were unmatchable. Many nights were spent reading to them as they cuddled in 'Papa's chair". He enjoyed cooking, baking and grilling for family dinners each Sunday, experimenting with different spices to enhance his family's pleasure as they sat down together. Brennin, Addyson, and Cambria Scott were the apple of 'Papa's eye' as he spent many days with them helping with homework, watching movies together and sharing God's Word teaching them to live Godly lives. Jim was an integral part of their short upbringing and a rock for his daughter, Hilary to lean upon. She will always be "daddy's girl".Jim is survived by his wife, Brenda Peterson; daughter, Hilary Scott; grandchildren: Brennin, Addyson, and Cambria Scott all of Gillette, Wyoming; brother, David (Sue) Peterson, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents; Edward and Almeda (Corr) Peterson and Guy and Zelda (Taylor) Printy. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Jim's name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.Funeral Home:Gillette Memorial Chapel210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WYUS 82716