James Melford Peterson

3/18/1932-6/17/2014

Jim (Pete) Peterson grew up in Troy, Idaho the only son of Dr. E.S. and Ruth Peterson. He graduated from North Central High School in Spokane and received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho where he was a Kappa Sig. After graduation he entered the U. S.Army Engineer Corps and received his wings as a Fixed Wing and Helicopter Pilot. While serving at Fort Greeley, AK he married Marion Todd. After his active duty they moved to Florida where he worked as a Test Engineer for the Chemstrand Company. Missing the Northwest weather they moved to Seattle where Jim joined Boeing for the next 32 years. He worked on the Minute Man Missile Project and then transferred to Flight Test where he was Test Director and Operations Supervisor in Flight Test. He worked on the Dash 80,707,747,757, AWACS, Air Force One. He spent his last 2 years in Hawaii as an Engineering Representative for the Boeing E-6 aircraft.

He continued his association with the Army Reserve graduating from the Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College. He retired with the rank of Colonel after 30 years of service.

He was President of Lakeridge Lutheran Church for 4 years and was active at Holy Trinity Lutheran on Mercer Island for many years. He especially enjoyed the men’s Bible Study Group.

Jim served as a member and Chairman of the Mercer Island Utility Board and was a Precinct Officer for over 30 years. Jim started the Volksmarch Club on Mercer Island. He and Marion Volksmarched in 50 states and many Canadian provinces. He was a member of the Boeing Blue Bills, Mercer Island PROBUS Club, Boing Road Runners, and the Museum of Flight. Jim enjoyed RV ‘ing with his family from Alaska to Mexico. He enjoyed sports and the Boy Scouts with his kids. In later years he became interested in woodcarving and golf.

Survivors include Marion his wife of 57 years, daughter Patrice and grandchildren Mikayla, Kylie and great grandchild Callie, son Preston and wife Meg and grandchildren Grant and Dean.

A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Church at

2 pm on July 13. An interment with military Honors will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery July 14 at 3pm. Remembrances can be made to Medic One or Holy Trinity Church or Hospice.