James Arthur Peterson, 83, of Elkhart, physician, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Indianapolis on March 14, 2022 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family.

Born June 1, 1938 in Elkhart, Indiana, to August and Martha Peterson, Dr. Peterson graduated from Elkhart Central High School in 1956. He attended Hanover College, where he met his future wife, Nancy Vail Gage. They married on their graduation day in Hanover, Indiana. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati Medical School in 1964 and completed his residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, in 1967.

After serving in the Army Medical Corps in Fort Rucker, Alabama, he returned to Elkhart in 1970 with his growing family to work as a pediatrician at the Elkhart Clinic. In 1987 he co-founded Bristol Street Pediatric Associates, where he worked as a pediatrician until his retirement in 2008.

Dr. Peterson and his family were members of the First Presbyterian Church, where he and Nancy enjoyed singing in the choir. A beloved member of the community, he cared for thousands of children, was co-chairman of Elkhart County Community Child Protection Team and served on the Child and Parent Services (CAPS) committee. He loved being surrounded by family, camping at the beach and hosting pool parties.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Peterson (Gage), and daughter Elizabeth Peterson-Kaminski (Bill). He is survived by his children, Lisa Barnett (Kyle), Steve Peterson and John Peterson, and grandchildren Nathan, Micah and Leila.

A Celebration of Life event is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, at the First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart, 200 E. Beardsley Ave., Elkhart, IN 46514.

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart IN 46514 is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made to the Peterson family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CAPS 1000 W. Hively Ave., Elkhart, IN 46517, www.capselkhart.org, or to the charity of your choice.

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

Published by The Elkhart Truth on Apr. 25, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for James Peterson

Sponsored by Stemm Lawson Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Center - Elkhart.

10 Entries

Debbi (Young) McNeer

February 28, 2023

I am so sorry to read of Jim's death, but comforted knowing he and Nancy are together at last.

Peggy Holley

April 27, 2022

In Sept of 1969, my son was delivered with serious problems. Dr Peterson was in the nursery and literally saved his life. For almost 30 years he followed my sons progress. He was a wonderful man and Doctor.

barbara r brumbaugh

April 27, 2022

Dr. Peterson was very helpful as our daughter was a failure to thrive baby. He kept in touch even during the 68 days we were at Riley. Happy to say she is now married with son and full time job.
We did get thru those dark days. thank you Doc.

JACK B BURKETT

April 26, 2022

I worked with Dr. Peterson at the Elkhart Clinic from 1973 until he, Dr. Cassim, and Dr. Gattman started Bristol Street Pediatrics...He was wonderful to work with and for. Dr. Peterson had a great sense of humor and was always smiling. Go fly with the Angels...

Peggy Cheney

April 26, 2022

He was my daughter doctor we she was a baby back in 1999 I real loved that doctor he cared for child he help me alot with her he is gone to be missed alot.

Jeri Bachtel

April 26, 2022

Thanks for taking care of my son. Rip
Prayers to family

sharon (stemm) marchese

April 25, 2022

I worked with Dr. Peterson in the nursery at E.G.H.Was a very kind and soft spoken man. If he ever got excited or scared he never showed it! May he fly into paradise with all the saints and angles, and may the great almighty shine his perpetual light on him now and forever. Sharon

Carol Nichols

April 25, 2022

My deepest sympathies to Dr Peterson´s family and friends. He was my children´s pediatrician in the 70´s. Wonderful doctor! Always trusted him. He took exceptional care of them. So sad to hear of his passing.

David henke

April 25, 2022

What a wonderful man and physician. He assisted so many of us by teaching at the bedside. Soft spoke, caring, and capable. He blessed so many and I have fond memories of the time we worked together.

Katheen J Fox

April 25, 2022

My prayers go out to his family and close friends . He was kind and sweet man
He was there shortly after the birth of my second child . Could've had a better Dr for her

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