JAY PETERSON

Jay Thomas Peterson, Jr. (Tom) 73 lost his battle to cancer January 21, 2014 under the loving care of all the nurses and staff of Sierra Medical Center and his wonderful and loving physician Dr. P Valilis. Tom was a native El Pasoan and a graduate of Austin High School. He was most proud to have served his country during the Vietnam War as a Paratrooper for 3 years. There he received training in aircraft and helicopter maintenance. After his honorable discharge from the Army he was a self made man who love to be his own boss and do what he loved most. He worked as a mechanic with his cousin in their own shop, ABC Bug Shop , where they worked on Volk Wagons and other vehicles. He later worked at the airport on airplanes. He lived and worked in the interior of Mexico in a gold mine where he built a school for the children and upgraded many facets of the village. He was manager of Paso Pack Chili Company and worked as a real estate appraiser for Mars Realty. His love and respect for nature made him a true sportsman; hunting, fishing, and trap were his passions. He taught his daughter Amanda and his "little buddy" Michael McLean both fishing and hunting and to respect nature as he did. He was also President of the El Paso Skeet and Trap Club for years where he was loved and respected by all its members. Toms' unique experiences made him the man he was, rough and tough, with a great sense of humor, and a big heart underneath it all. He is preceded in death by his mother Leota Mae Peterson and father Jay T. Peterson Sr. He is survived by his sister Janis Lynn Peterson, wife Irma C. Peterson, daughter Amanda Lynn Peterson, and son-in-law Joseph Profit. Pallbearers: Ben L. Ivey, Jess Burner, Merle Gross, Douglas R. McLean, Cameron L. Scott and Jim Martin. Honorary Pallbearers: Ed Scott, Joseph Profit, Michael McLean and Skip Trammell. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 pm Friday, January 24, 2014 at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina. Graveside Service will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Evergreen East Cemetery. Services under the direction of HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME 1060 Carolina 598-3332.