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James Petersen Obituary

James Wesley Petersen "Wes" was born 8/19/22 and passed away 9/3/13 with his family by his side. We took him to the Hospital for chest pain on 8/17/13 and the doctors found the cancer. Wes was born on a ranch in Beatrice which is now known as Loleta. He was the youngest of seven children. He attended grammer school at Salmon Creek Elementary which is now the Swiss Hall. After graduating from Fortuna High School he joined the Navy and was on the USS Raleigh during World War ll. He enjoyed going to Peru, Chile and Panama. He loved all cultures, but I would have to say the Mexican culture was one of his favorites. When he got out of the Navy he went home to the ranch and spent alot of time with his mom and dad. He went to business school in Eureka on 6th Street and then went to work as a time keeper at the PG&E power plant and the Scotia Mill. He also worked at Sequoia Park as a gardener and also helped out with the animals. He was at the zoo when Bill the chimp was brought there. When his mom passed away about a year after his father our dad decided to sell the ranch house along with the property and go to Mexico in 1964. While in Guadalajara Mexico he met our mom and they brought their six children to the United States in 1975. Later they had his youngest son in Eureka. One of Dad's proudest accomplishments was bringing us to the United States so that we could have more oppurtunities. He was a wonderful man and instilled alot of great gualities in his children with one being never to judge a book by its cover. I will miss our conversations. He enjoyed going to the Eureka Senior Center for approximately twenty five years. He also enjoyed going on the Eureka Transit buses every day as he was very much a people person. He was recognizable for his cowboy hat and Mexican bags. He is survived by his seven children: Jaime Petersen, Jessie Petersen (James Blake), Eva "Marie" Petersen-Acosta ( Jose "Gabino" Acosta, Toyita Petersen, Henry Petersen (Arely Petersen) and Charles Petersen. He is also survived by his ten grandchildren: Lisa, Forrest Jr., Amber, Crystal, Jose, Diego, Anthony, Isabell, Jade and Jasmine and four great -grandchildren: Illyanna, Cruz, Ezra and Daniel. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dad John Petersen and his mom Jessie Petersen and all six of his siblings: Jenny, John, Irene, Olivia, Marie and Martha. He also leaves behind many friends who he really enjoyed spending time with. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 7th at 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Wharfinger building in Eureka. All friends and family are invited to come celebrate our Dad's long well lived life. He will forever be loved and will be a great part of us. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obits.

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

Published by Times-Standard from Sep. 6 to Sep. 7, 2013.

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paula smoley

September 13, 2013

Youl be missed...in life & the bus..nice knowing you..good luck in the afterlife..

Elizabeth Hayden

September 12, 2013

I knew Wes as "Grandpa" Wes when he was at Winzler school and I will miss him very much He was a good man.

Jennifer Johnson

September 9, 2013

I was so sad to here Wesley passed away! I new of him from the buses for like 12 years atleast or more! He was always so kind & welcoming to everyone!

September 8, 2013

I ride the eureka buses, and I've seen Wes, but I didn't know him or talk to him. I remember seeing him on the buses every day. He would talk and swap stories with other bus riders and I would listen to his stories. I didn't know him, but I miss him already.

September 7, 2013

Love you wes!

Joyce Graham

September 6, 2013

Sad to hear about Wes's passing. What a gentle soul is was and always had time to chat. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to all of his family who were the center of his world.

Darrell Graham

September 6, 2013

Learned a lot from Wes at the park and he was a pleasure to work with. Good friend since 1962 and was a pleasant surprise when he returned from Mexico with his family. Enjoyed seeing him at the senior center and around town, always having pleasant conversations about our fun times at Sequoia Park.

Dick and Kay Tirsbeclk

September 6, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Linda Daastol

September 6, 2013

I am so very sorry to hear about Wes. What a wonderful man. I knew Wes from the HSRC lunch site where I worked for 15 year's. He was quite the gentleman and alway's ready with a smile no matter what. My heart goes out to all the family. And Jessie, I have not seen you in awhile, but I sure am sorry for your loss. I do not know of anyone who did't like your Dad. My prayer's are with you and all your family. Take good care.

Chryl Omstead

September 6, 2013

I only knew this very nice man when I rode the transit bus. He will be missed by many I know. He always smiled and talked to everyone, including myself and my sons when we rode together. My prayers go to all his family and friends in their time of sadness. I only knew his name is Wes. Wes, I will miss saying hello to you every time I ride the bus, but I will always remember you for your wonderful smile and much kindness. R.I.P. Wes.

September 6, 2013

Wes was very much loved by all HCAR staff and consumers! Always pleasant to everyone and always had a smile! He will be very missed!

Benita Robinson

September 6, 2013

I got to know Wes when I worked as Dining Site Coordinator at the Senior Center for nearly 10 years.

He was always such a sweet and polite gentleman, never complained about anything but was always grateful for the food, friendship and good company he found at the site.

I saw him last about a month ago, and I'm glad I took the time to chat with him. I'll miss him!

My condolences to his family!

Lisa, illyanna & Cruz Jorge Hayden

September 6, 2013

I love you grandpa!! And will miss you dearly miss your beautiful smile and sparkling bright blue eyes..your great grand children loved you papa Wes..illy will live on your leacy with her cow"girl" hat..love you forever!!

Brandy Taylor (Martha Collins Grand Daughter)

September 6, 2013

I am very sad to hear about the passing of Uncle Wes. I would often see Wes walking around town or at the mall. He always had his nice cowboy hat on. Special huggs to my cousin Jessie. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

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