James Peterson Obituary

Durango resident James Ray Peterson died at Four Corners Health Center on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. He was 81.

Known as "Jim," he was born to Vern and Mary Peterson in Elk City, Okla., on Aug. 8, 1927.

Mr. Peterson stopped going to school in the eighth grade to work as a musician, beginning a life-long career in music. He attended night school to earn his high school diploma. Mr. Peterson was a jazz guitarist who began playing when he was 8.

He served in the Army and was stationed at Camp Beal in California.

"He played guitar in the Army band and became quite the popular fellow with his music," his granddaughter Crystal Peterson wrote. "He was also always one ball up on the pool tables."

On July 12, 1954, he married Shirley Hopkins in Reno, Nev. They lived on the Peterson family ranch in Arboles.

"Jim lived his life to the fullest," Crystal Peterson wrote. "He always got to do as he pleased and was an avid prospector, which led him on some great adventures."

Mr. Peterson had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening. His family said he was especially fond of his pink rosebush, which he rooted up and moved with him from home to home.

Mr. Peterson was preceded in death by oldest son, Stephen Peterson.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley Peterson of Arboles; sons David Peterson of Arboles and Vern Peterson of Bayfield; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 6, 2009, at the Peterson ranch with a potluck immediately after at the Allison Grange. Attendees are asked to gather at the grange by 9:30 a.m. for the procession to the ranch. The turnoff to the Allison Grange off Colorado Highway 151 will be marked. Chaplain Earl Caudill will officiate.

For memorial contributions, call Crystal Peterson at 739-4112.