James Howard Peterson

Today we celebrate the life of a man whose footsteps left deep impressions on the fairways of life and in the hearts of those who loved him. James Howard Peterson, known affectionately to us all as Jim or Pa-Paw, was a beacon of joy in our community, a loving husband, a cherished father, a doting grandfather, and a friend to all who had the pleasure of crossing his path.

Born on the tenth day of June in the year of our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Forty-One, in the warm embrace of El Cajon, California, Jim stepped into this world with a smile that would light up the darkest of rooms. It was in Cleveland, Texas, on August 6, 2024, that he was called home on a day that the Lord had made, leaving behind the echoes of his laughter and the memories of his loving embrace.

Jim was a man of many talents, but none shone as bright as his prowess on the golf course. As an excellent Golf Pro, he graced the Senior Tour with his skill, sportsmanship, and the kind of gentlemanly conduct that made him a role model for many. Jim played the game just as he lived life—with passion, with integrity, and with a kindness that made him a true champion.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, embodied by his devoted wife, his three children who were his pride and joy, his ten grandchildren who were the twinkle in his eye, and his nine great-grandchildren who were his hope for the future. Each of them a testament to the love he so generously gave.

Jim was a man who lived by the words love, funny, and thoughtful. His love was a shelter in times of storm, his humor a light in times of darkness, and his thoughtfulness a reminder of the grace that dwells within the human spirit. He taught us how to love without condition, to laugh without restraint, and to give without expecting anything in return.

As we lay James Howard Peterson to rest, let us take comfort in knowing that he is now walking the fairways of Heaven, free from the bounds of earthly troubles. His journey with dementia was carried with dignity, and now he has been called to that great 19th hole in the sky.

Let us rejoice in the time we were blessed to share with Jim, for in our hearts and in our memories, he will forever be a part of us. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his spirit continue to guide us through the courses of our own lives. Amen.