James H. Peterson Jr.

Captain James H. Peterson Jr., 90, of New Jersey, passed away on February 16, 2025. Jim was born on March 17, 1934 in the Bronx, to the late James Sr. and Elizabeth. He grew up in Teaneck, NJ, and later moved to Ringwood, NJ for a short time after his marriage before settling in Chatham, NJ, where he and his family lived for 60 years.
After graduating from Teaneck High School in 1952, Jim followed in his father's footsteps, completing a seven-year apprenticeship before becoming a Full Branch Pilot with the United New York & New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilots until his retirement in December 1996.
Jim received many accolades from various organizations, including the Pilots, the New York Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for all his contributions, dedication, and tireless work during his 37 years as a Sandy Hook Pilot. He was elected to the United New Jersey Sandy Hook Pilots Benevolent Association Board of Trustees and was also Chairman of the "Save Our Port" coalition, which focused on the critical job of dredging the harbors. He piloted many kinds of ships, including passenger ships, tanker ships, cargo ships, naval ships, and tall ships, such as the SS United States, QE2, HMY Britannia, and the Dar Pomorza. He helped coordinate OpSail and the Fifth Annual International Naval Review, as well as several New York Fleet Weeks through the years.
Beyond his distinguished career, Jim found joy in simple pleasures. He enjoyed working in the yard and on the house, skiing, going to the shore, watching the New York Giants, and spending time with his family. He maintained his sense of humor until the very end, always ready with a clever remark to leave you smiling.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (née Morrow) Peterson; his daughter, Lynn Elizabeth (née Peterson) Moore; his grandson, Andrew Peter Moore; his brother, Jon H. Peterson (Patricia); his brother-in-law James W. Morrow; his sister-in-law Yolanda (née Fajardo) Morrow; 11 nieces and nephews; and many more grand-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Barbara Ann and his sister Bette Jean.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chatham Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 609, Chatham, NJ 07928, or at https://www.chathamemergencysquad.org/donate/