James M. "Jim" Peterson

James M. “Jim” Peterson, age 89, of Fairview Heights, IL, born on February 22, 1935, in Belleville, IL, was called to the Lord on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.

Jim was born to the parents of Marshall and Arlene, nee Sisson Peterson.  He went to Belleville grade schools and graduated from Belleville High School-West.  After high school, he joined the Navy was a frogman on the USS Valley Forge during the Korean War.  After his navy service, he married the love of his life, Norma Asbury, on November 17, 1956.  He worked for Walworth Valve until they closed in 1969.  He then worked for Illinois Power until retired in 1997.  Jim coached Little Devils Football and Belleville Khoury League.  He was a member of the Gear Jammers Hot Rod Club and a member of the VFW Post 1117, Caseyville, IL.  Jim was a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Barrett Jackson Car Auctions.  He and his wife enjoyed camping and bird watching after his retirement. 

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma Peterson; a son Mark Peterson; his parents, Marshall and Arlene Peterson; his sister, Jean Owen; his brother, Marshall Peterson; his brother-in-law, Al Owen; his sister-in-law, Bernell Peterson; and his nephew, Bruce Owen.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Kimberli (Kevin) Buskirk; grandchildren, Aimee (Dave) French, Mindy (Eric) O’Donnell, and Kristen (Chad) Barham; great grandchildren, Lyndsay Schmitz (Fiancé, Brandon Taylor), Gracelyn French, Cheyenne French, Logan O’Donnell, Lillian O’Donnell, Emma Barham, and Charles Barham.  He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and special friends, Dennis and Dawn Dillon and their family.

The family would like to give a special thanks to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and HSHS Hospice for their professional and loving care given to Jim.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL with Pastor Ron Habermel officiating.  Burial will follow in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.

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