James E. Peterson

1934 - 2022

James E (Jim) Peterson

February 26, 1934 - August 20, 2022

On Saturday, August 20, 2022, James E (Jim) Peterson, loving husband and father of three, passed away at the age of 88. Jim was born on February 26, 1934, in Kimball Nebraska to J. Chris and Helen Peterson. Jim was raised in Gering, Nebraska, and attended Scottsbluff Junior College and the University of Nebraska, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. On June 12, 1955, he married his life- long love, Nancy Mayborn of Scottsbluff, and they recently celebrated their 67th anniversary. They raised three sons, Kurt, Gregg, and Mark.

Jim began work in the family bean business then spent the majority of his career working in agricultural commodities for Gooch Products, Midwest Bean, and Trinidad-Benham Corporation. He participated in industry trade associations and was a Director of the Rocky Mountain Bean Dealers Association. He was skilled at crop estimation and served as Vice President of Operations for Trinidad-Benham.

Jim was a dedicated member of AA and was justifiably proud of his 43 years of sobriety. He devoted his life to helping others reach their own goals. He also served the community through his life-long participation in the United Methodist Church.

Jim enjoyed fishing and camping; he coached and volunteered his time to youth baseball especially the 23Club of Scottsbluff. He and Nancy were enthusiastic square dancers. Jim enjoyed woodworking and always put out a contented whistle when he was in his garage workshop. He remodeled every one of the family's five homes. He also enjoyed traveling to both international and domestic locations and loved spending time with his five grandchildren and seven great-grands.

He valued honesty, hard work, being trustworthy, giving to others, humility and kindness. He was known for giving good advice, like "There comes a time when you have to look at yourself in the mirror and decide what type of person you want to be, then act on it"; or "It doesn't matter what your religion is, but you have to believe in something greater than yourself". He was a strong mentor, a great father and a loving husband.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kristine, and his brother Clifford. He is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Kurt, Gregg and wife Lynn, Mark and wife Jenny, and nieces and nephews Cheryl O'Haire, Greg Waits, Kevin and Gayle Rummery, Laura Hernandez, Sarah Davis, Craig Peterson, Judy, Bonnie, and Susie Nichols, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Viewing Thursday, 6-8 pm, August 25th and service at 11 am, Friday August 26th both at Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A St., Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 23Club Baseball of Scottsbluff, NE. via: Christ United Methodist Church link: secure.myvanco.com/L-YR81/campaign/C-12SP8. Condolences may be left online at www.lincolnffc.com