James Wesley Petersen

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.