Jim Petersmith Obituary

Jim Petersmith

Louisville - James Robert Petersmith, 64, died Thursday December 13, 2018 at Regis Woods Care Center in Louisville, KY.

Jim was born April 14, 1954 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Robert & Mary Ellen Petersmith. He is survived by his sons Mike (Ashton) and Dan (Ashton), and grandchildren Dean and Georgia. He is also survived by his brother John, sisters Margie Ridler, Kate Modzelewski, and Celee Philipp.

Jim was full of kindness, goodwill, and love for all people. No one was a stranger to Jim. There wasn't a mean or judgemental bone in his body. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Jim played roles as a father, professor, banker, truck driver, pit boss, bartender, Johnny Appleseed, evil scientist, demented ghost, gunslinger, Klingon, and cult leader. He was an actor above all, and because of such, we can never truly know if he is now dead, or simply playing dead.

Either way, a celebration of life will be held on Sunday December 16th, between 3:00 and 6:00 P.M. at 501 Romara Place, Louisville Kentucky. A Petersmith family Mass will take place at Immaculate Conception Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa at 12:00 P.M on December 26, 2018. A special thanks to his friend Dan Hagan, his sister Margie, and the loving staff at Regis Woods for their care and attention during his final years. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hosparus Health of Louisville (hosparushealth.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Courier-Journal on Dec. 15, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Petersmith

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9 Entries

Patty Froehle

March 23, 2019

I was saddened to hear of Jim's death, which I just found out about from the Xavier newsletter. Jim and I were classmates at Regis and his obituary said it all: He was a very sweet person, unassuming, always smiling and friendly. My condolences to your family.

December 25, 2018

Sorry to hear of your family's lost. The Bible tells us Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. One of the principal ways to draw close to God is thorough prayer. Do not underestimate its value!

Gina Tedescucci

December 19, 2018

Dear sweet Jim. So many adventures we had! Acting jobs, films, so much fun from meeting Jack Lemmon, Gregory Peck, to escaping off the tram at Universal to explore on our own, to the beach picnics. The endless laughing. Loved him from the moment I met him in 1990. You don't ever forget someone like Jim. It was a priviledge to be part of his last years in Louisville, an honor to make him smile. He gave so much joy. I will miss and love him forever.

December 16, 2018

Jim was relentlessly funny & he was as kind-hearted as he was funny. We were in a small singing group & some plays together in CR. Jim lit up any room he went into. In rehearsals, we would laugh so much it was hard to get things done sometimes. The memory of Jim is so BIG, that it seems as if he is still here. His sweet spirit always is. I've never known a kinder person. My condolences to his boys, family & close friends (which Jim made everyone feel like).

Debbie Brooks

Susan Below

December 15, 2018

So true, Jim was definitely an actor above all and never a stranger. My condolences to his family. I always smile when I think of Jimmy.

J.R. Stuart

December 15, 2018

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. We were in JOSEPH together at Derby Dinner Playhouse in 1992 and he was a joy to know and work with. God bless.

Chip Marshall

December 14, 2018

To John, Margie, Kate, Cecilia, Jim's kids and theirs, and all of the Petersmith families, you are in our hearts and prayers.

We can draw comfort in knowing you are all so proud and blessed to have called Jim one of your own. We were all privileged to have crossed paths with Jim Bob, for he was one of the nicest, kindest, big-hearted and funniest human beings we've ever known. A tribute to his parents, Mary Ellen and Robert, and his siblings. That unforgettable smile and the joy he personified . . . his humorous pokes, and the focus and attention he would give anyone and everyone when he spoke to you . . . well . . . there simply was no soul quite like Jim. He was a modern-day Jimmy Stewart, and did quite an impersonation whenever you asked him to.

Honored to know you, Jim, and The Petersmith Family.

Joan VanBerkum

December 14, 2018

So sorry to the Petersmith family on the loss of your dear Jim. May he rest in peace. Sending prayers and love.

December 14, 2018

I worked with Jim Petersmith several years ago at UPS. He was a great guy and will be dearly missed. RIP Jim!

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