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James Peterson Obituary
A native of Fayetteville, N.C., he had been a longtime Peninsula resident. Mr. Peterson retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years, having served during the Korean War, and also retired in 1988, after 27 years of service, as a supervisor from Newport News Shipbuilding, Department 053. He was a member of First Baptist Church Morrison, and a member of the Weekend Warriors.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Peterson; seven children, Valarie M. Fuller of New Jersey, Elbert H. Cotton (Rose) of Newport News, James R. Peterson (Barbara) of Newport News, Dennis M. Peterson of Fayetteville, N.C., Debra S. Peterson of Fayetteville, N.C., Anthony D. Peterson (Martha) of Newport News, and Trudy Lucas of Pennsylvania; one brother, Henry Lee Peterson of New Jersey; 14 grandchildren twelve great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2009, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, at First Baptist Church Morrison, with the Rev. Dr. Marcellus L. Harris, Jr. officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Peterson
Jones
June 2, 2009
Hi Dennis,
We are so sorry to hear about your father. You have our hearth felt sympathy and condolences. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Freddie & Esther
Tremayne Terry
May 26, 2009
Hi Pete,
My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Jack Pines
May 26, 2009
My thoughts are with your family
Jocelyn Peterson Stephenson
May 25, 2009
From the Peterson Family in South Carolina, (Henry Lee Peterson's daughters and son) our condolences are with you. We are sorry to hear about our uncle's death and the family loss. Lean on God and he will provide you with the strength needed to endure. Our prayers are with you.
Sandra Cooper
May 23, 2009
Peterson Family,
I am sorry for your loss, My prayers are with you all during this most difficult.
Rev Firman & Coralisa Matthews
May 22, 2009
We are sorry about your loss. You have our deepest sympathy and you are in our prayer.
Stinkey & Baby-Doll
North Carolina Buffalo Soldiers
Les Smith
May 22, 2009
I consider "Pete" a good friend. We served in the Army reserve together. He was a true gentlemen and will be missed by all of the Weekend Warriors.
Gwendolyn Shoates-Sloan
May 22, 2009
My condolences goes out to my Aunt Mary Alice, Tony and his family. Mr. Peterson was a good man. who was full of love laughter and goodness. He was always full of surprises. And always had a good story to tell. Wev'e had alot of good times together you will be missed. May you rest in peace and May the family have peace and comfort.
Imani Wells
May 22, 2009
Aunt Mary Alice my deepest sympathy is sent out to you..I love and stay strong...It was a shock to me when my dad told me the sad newz...I miss you Mr.Peterson and I will never forget you...to the family...he's in a better place and he was a loving man...Be blessed
Angela & Steve Dial
May 22, 2009
Dennis & Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.
May 21, 2009
Our prayers are with the Peterson family. May God keep and comfort you. He will always be with you in your memories.
God bless,
Charles and Beverly Ellerbe
Valerie
May 21, 2009
To the Peterson Family,
I am sorry for your loss of your father, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
James Behlin
May 21, 2009
Peterson Family,
I am sorry for your loss, even though he lived a good long life, he will continue to be missed. Think of the good times.
D-Platoon CUMB. CO. SO
May 21, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cumberland Co Sheriff's Office
May 21, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
UNK
May 21, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Dennis Peterson
May 21, 2009
To: "THE MAN"
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Dad, we never told you but many years ago while living on Sycamore Ave, we nicknamed you "THE MAN". We named you that because to us, you were just that, "The Man". You now leave us (Valerie, Bro, Butch, Dennis, Dee Dee and Tony) with so many memories to always reflect upon. While growing up, we had many rules to follow. You and OUR MOM instilled many values and traits for us to live by. But the one trait you instilled in us that stands out the most in your kids is STRENGTH. You leave us with the ability to endure all types of adversities that life hand us and yet still we prevail. But for any reason we feel weak and can't go on we come together, draw strength from each other and keep pushing on. For that we say Thank You. We will all miss you, one for one reason and one for another, but as you would have it, we will continue to be STRONG.
P.S. No, I haven't seen any of your people. :)
Your Son, Dennis
(Linda & Dennis II)
Sharon Thurston
May 21, 2009
To the Peterson family, I am so sorry for the lost of your Father. As I know God makes no mistakes James' Mansion was prepared and God needed him to come on home. My prayers are with you and I know that time heals all wounds. To Mary, James(Butch), Tony, Dee Dee,Dennis and all the family, Just know that Jesus loves you and that God is still in control. My prayers are with you. Love you al, Minister Sharon Peterson-Thurston
JR Peterson
May 21, 2009
A tremendous loss to myself and my family.
Betty Copling
May 21, 2009
Dear Mary Alice and family, I express my deepest condolences to you all. May you rest in the arms of Jesus as He comforts your every need as you trust in Him. Love Min. Betty Copling and Family (HRT DRIVER) John 14: 1-4
May 21, 2009
To: My Family
I know that God will give us the strength to get through yet another loss to our family. Let us always believe in our hearts that GOD makes no mistakes.Their is no such thing as a perfect dad, only a perfect GOD that has allowed our DAD to have left us with many permanent memories of his love for his children. Sometimes GOD removes those that we love the most out of our cicle to bring the circle closer together. (You talk to anyone special today?) That was always asked in his 2 minute conversation each day. He was talking about each of us. To him we was all SPECIAL!!! Let us honor him as he honored us. You will never be forgetten in our hearts DAD.
Love Your Little Girl
Dee-Dee (Debra)
Fayetteville, NC
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