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In memory of

James Peterson

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 91

James E. Peterson was born July 17, 1916, at his parents' ranch home on Deadman Creek, in the Grindstone area, the son of John Q. and Wilhelmina (Buchholz) Peterson. He received his education at the North Lincoln School in the Grindstone community. As a young man he worked on his parents' ranch, also for various ranchers in the Philip area. He later worked for the WPA in the Grindstone and Ash Creek area.

James was united in marriage to Lucile Dean on September 23, 1940 in Philip. They made their home on the Peterson Ranch near Grindstone until 1947, at which time they purchased the former Dick Mathison ranch three miles east of Philip. James continued to live and work on the ranch all his life.

James served on the school board of the Magnuson #56 School District, was a member of the Stockgrowers Association and R-Calf.

He was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ranching was his life.

Grateful for having shared his life include his wife Lucile of Philip; three sons Gary Peterson and his wife Joel of Faith, Roger Peterson and his wife Kathy of Philip, and Darrel Peterson and his wife Anita of Philip; one daughter Doreen Olson and her husband Bob of Austin, Texas; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and seventeen nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson; one great-grandson; one brother John E. Peterson; and four sisters Emma Michael, Mary Culp, Mina Galbraith, and Etta Copps.

Visitation will be held 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, and one hour preceding the services on Wednesday.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 19, at the American Legion Hall with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.
Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 – 10:00 a.m., American Legion Hall, Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY: Pastor Mark Ford
MUSIC: Marilyn Millage – Pianist, Glenn Parsons – Guitarist/Vocalist, "The Cowboy Rides Away", "God Must Have Been A Cowboy", Congregational Hymn "Old Rugged Cross" 
USHERS:Bud Stickler – Cliff Ramsey
PALLBEARERS:Ed Buchholz – Mick Moretllaro, Howard Eggars – Ron Millage, Jerry Thompson – Mel Smith
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT: Masonic Cemetery, Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 – 10:00 a.m., American Legion Hall, Philip, South Dakota
INTERMENT: Masonic Cemetery, Philip, South Dakota

  • I have known Jimmy and family since I was little. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless. Joe, Judy and family. ~ Joe and Judy Millage Philip, SD (9/15/2007)
  • So sorry about Jimmy, but know that he is without pain now, know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. It is so hard to let them go, but keep all of your memories alive. If we can do something please call us. I know that Ed will miss his visits with Jimmy at the shop as he already has since he hasn't been able to come out to the shop. ~ Ed & Karen Snyder PO Box 653 Philip SD 57567 (9/15/2007)
  • Lucile and family. We were sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing and know we will also miss him when we are in Philip, Enjoyed our visits and 'coffee' times we spent. Deepest sympathy to all of you. ~ Beverly & Cork Jahner Kerrville, Texas (9/15/2007)
  • Our sympathy to you Lucile and family. May memories make this time easier. I remember delivering a big load of feed bunks and Jimmy almost had them unloaded sooner than expected when the gate was lower than the load ~ Marsha and Bill Sumpter Kadoka (9/15/2007)


  • Lucile & Family,
    I learned early from my father to respect Jimmy Peterson. He was a man to look up to. I enjoyed our recent visit when I was at your home. They don't make them like James Peterson anymore. You are in our prayers.     ~ Lyndy & Kenny Ireland Philip, SD (9/15/2007)
  • Lucile and Family,
    We were so sorry to hear of your loss. It is a very sad time, but yet comforting to know he is in a better place and not suffering any pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you     ~ Mary Jo Jones Midland, SD (9/15/2007)
  • Lucile and Family:
    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Hold your memories in your heart and know that James is now in a better place. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.     ~ Dean and Kellie Nixon Weinzetl Belle Fourche, SD (9/15/2007)
  • Dear Lucile and family:
    We are so sorry to hear of James' passing. Another old friend and relative has gone and we regret so much not seeing him one last time. We also regret not being there for the funeral as we are on our way to Minnesota to see our kids and grandkids. You are all in our thoughts as you try to come to terms with James not being there for you. We will come to see you after we return from Minnesota. With our love, Leila and Jim     ~ Jim and Leila Joyce Custer, SD (9/15/2007)
  • Anita, Kathy, Laura and Families~
    We are sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. We have you in our daily prayers and hope that knowing this helps you deal with this difficult experience. Our best to you and your families.     ~ Vonda and Jason Hamill Family Milesville (9/15/2007)
  • Gary, Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. ~ Phil Stark Las Vegas, NV (9/15/2007)
  • Lucile and family - we are so sorry to learn of James' passing, but after visiting him in the hospital, we know that Heaven is a better place for him. We sure will miss his visits to our place, it was always so enjoyable to have him & Lucile stop in. ~ Sonny & Donna Newman PO Box 429, Philip, SD 57567 (9/15/2007)
  • You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless and watch over you all at this difficult. Imagine the reunions that are going on in Heaven right now. I can only imagine the stories and entertainment. God bless and take care. ~ Mandie (Nixon) Menzel and family Dupree, SD (9/15/2007)
  • Lucile and Family : I am really sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. The range and cricks he rides now, will be forever green. Mike ~ Mike Hart 214th 6th St. Emerado ND 58228 (9/15/2007)
  • Our deepest sympathy to all of you. ~ Richard & Diana Stewart Philip (9/15/2007)
  • Our sympathy to you Lucille and all of your family, another icon is gone from our family. ~ Lowell and Jo Ann Sandal Miles (9/15/2007)