Jim Peters, age 91, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away in his sleep after a short illness on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at his daughter's home in Westfield, Indiana.
The third of four children, Jim was born March 24, 1934, in Richmond to George and Leota Peters. Jim was one of Richmond High School's best all-round athletes, lettering in football, basketball, baseball and track. Nicknamed the "Jet," Jim was an All-State and All-American running back and state scoring leader during his senior year, leading his team to an undefeated season and a mythical state championship. The Jet also placed 5th in both the 110- and 220-yard dashes at the state track meet. Jim was a highly recruited athlete coming out of high school and took his talents to Purdue University (Boiler Up) where he lettered in football and baseball. He was coached in both sports by the legendary Hank Stram and shared the backfield with quarterback Len Dawson. Jim received his BA from Purdue in 1956 and was drafted into the US Army at the end of the Korean conflict where he served from 1956-1958 in Fort Lewis, Washington. In the Army, he served as an assistant to the base's general and was a football player -coach on the base team. In 1958, Jim married the love of his life Myrna (Knoll) Peters. They made their lives in Richmond and remained married until Myrna's passing on March 6, 2021. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Pam, Jim and John. After his Army service, Jim returned to Richmond and served as a teacher and coach from 1958-1979. Jim coached football, wrestling and baseball. He is fondly remembered by many of his former athletes and students. Jim was the head football coach at Brookville HS from 1981-1984. He was employed as a salesman with the Recycling Center, Inc. of Richmond for over 35 years and was still working with some of his customers until a few weeks before his passing. On a special evening on April 23rd, 2016, Jim was inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, where he delivered one of, if not the longest induction speech in the history of the HOF!
Survivors include his children Pam (Mark) Maddox of Westfield, Indiana, Jim Peters of Brighton, Colorado, and John Peters of Bloomington, Indiana; grandchildren Tyler (Erin) Maddox of Indianapolis, Indiana, Katlin (Matt) Humberger of Westfield, Indiana, and Skyler Peters of Brighton, Colorado; great grandsons, Ross, Rowan, Easton and Maddox all of Westfield, Indiana; brother, George (Carolyn) Peters; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Myrna; sisters, Martha Walters and Barbara Koontz; and his grandson, Mac Peters.
Visitation for Jim Peters will be from 10am to 12:00 p.m., Monday, December 1st at Doan and Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Rd. West, Richmond, Indiana. A private family interment will follow at the Earlham Memorial Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, Indiana, 1717 South L Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374 or bgcrichmond.org.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.
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