James "Ross" Petersen

James Ross Petersen, known simply as Ross to friends and family, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on November 14, 1947, Ross spent much of his life in the Pacific Northwest before later moving to Denver, Colorado as his Parkinson's disease progressed.

Ross grew up in Tukwila, Washington, the son of Harry Petersen and Mabel Howey, alongside his younger sister, Nancy Petersen. He attended Foster High School and later the University of Washington. After college, Ross proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, earning the National Defense Service Medal and a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

Not long after his service, Ross met the love of his life, Cheryl Fedorko. Together they built a life that included Cheryl's son, Richard Welch, whom Ross adopted and loved as his own. During those years, Ross ran a small business at Seattle's Pike Place Market, where he crafted and sold handmade wooden toys. The market community and the people he met there remained some of his fondest memories.

In 2002, Ross left Pike Place Market and moved to Whidbey Island, where he became a bus driver for Island County Transit. After Cheryl's passing in 2006, Ross later met Nancy Russell while working at Island Transit. The two married and shared several happy years together until her passing in 2013.

Ross was passionate about many things in life. He was a devoted fan of University of Washington football and the Seattle Seahawks. He loved spending time volunteering with Good Cheer on Whidbey Island, where he sorted donated books at the thrift store to help support the local food bank. In his downtime, Ross enjoyed playing Magic: The Gathering and online strategy games such as Civilization and Age of Empires. Spending time on his property if that was gardening or sitting in his chair looking at the deer eating grass in his lawn.

A hippie at heart, Ross was known for his humor, stubborn streak, and deep loyalty to his friends. His lifelong college friend Sol Varon, his friend Roscoe Nelson of Portland, and later his close friend Steve Fedorko remained some of the most important people in his life. All three stayed in touch with Ross until his final days. They often joked that Ross could be amazingly stubborn-but they wouldn't have wanted him any other way.

Ross is survived by his sister, Nancy Petersen, a retired nurse and devoted sister with whom he spoke nearly every day, sharing stories and memories. He is also survived by his adopted son, Richard Welch, whom Ross raised and loved as his own. Richard always considered Ross his true father, standing beside him through both the good times and the difficult ones He leaves behind his step daughter from his marriage to Nancy, Kyrie Russell and her two children. . Ross also leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Emily Ward, with whom he developed an even stronger relationship later in life. Emily then becoming his favorite getting his Godson Ari pushed backed to second favorite. Ari responded "Dude it's the second best ever".

Ross took great pride in being a godfather and mentor to many in his extended circle. He is survived by his godsons Ari Varon and Leior Varon, the sons of his lifelong friend Sol. He is also remembered fondly by his great friend from the Pike Place Market Laura Daughenbaugh and Goddaughter Tobin Vaughan, whom he grew close to during his years at Pike Place Market. Ross loved telling stories about all of his godchildren and could keep anyone entertained with family memories.

A memorial service will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery, with a wake to follow. Service details will be announced at a later date.

Ross will be remembered for his independent spirit, his love of friends and family, his stubborn determination, and the stories he shared so freely with everyone around him. His presence, humor, and friendship will be deeply missed. – also Fuck Parkinson's!