Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings

JAMES LESLIE PETERSON

Born: Oct 14, 1945

Date of Passing: Jan 18, 2013

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

JAMES LESLIE PETERSON On Friday, January 18, 2013 Jim passed away suddenly at his home on Rocky Lake. He was born in Winnipeg, MB on October 14, 1945 to parents Walter and Betty Peterson. He graduated with a civil engineering degree in 1970, from the University of Manitoba. Jim worked for Natural Resources, CPR, and joined Widespan Steel as a partner in 1978. Jim's love of the outdoors and fishing brought him to Northern Manitoba where he built his cottage in 1983. This would be the home he shared with his one true love, Jan. They met at the cottage on January 1, 1990 and Jim said he had found his soul mate. They were engaged in 1991 and Jimmy took the giant leap in December 1998, when they married in Las Vegas. They loved life, they fished and skidooed, laughed daily, whomped one another at scrabble, loved the evenings around the campfire, be it alone, or for happy hour or with family singing and playing guitars (reminiscent of "Lord Jim and the Centaurs"), travelled the world, gardened, collected wild flowers, and helped anyone who needed a hand, no matter how big or small the task may be. His compassion for others, his fashion sense that was admired by all who knew him well, his gentle manner, his incredible sense of humor and his quick wit made him a joy to be with. With Jim, everyone he met started at 100%. It was up to you to stay there. It mattered not if you were educated or uneducated, young, old, male, or female. Jim had a very unique ability to conform to every situation. He became a great friend and mentor to Jan's sons, Steven and Richard, as the boys married and families grew, he became an incredibly awesome grampa. He loved to teach the little ones about nature, especially foxes, and fishing, at the "bass-hole". Jim is survived by his wife Jan, stepsons Steven Stahl (Melissa) Landon and Cadyn, Richard Stahl (Stacey) Sara and Brianna (baby Easton), Jan's siblings, Joanne (Marvin), brothers Jeff (Nadeen), John (Helen), James (Elaine) and Joel (Flo), Steven (Carol) and their respective families; Jim's sisters Peggy, Shirley (Bruce "ERN" McConnell), brother Harold (Marilyn) and nephew Jeffery Peterson, Uncle Andy and numerous aunts, cousins and all of his truly great friends. Jim was predeceased by both of his parents, his mother-in-law Doris Person, father-in-law Steve Person and many uncles. The void Jim has left is immeasurable. In keeping with Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service, but please know, our door is always open. In lieu of flowers, Jim would prefer a donation be made to the: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Canada 1-800-378-2233 or STARS - Head Office in Calgary, AB 1-888-797-8277. "Cheers all around Rocky Lake"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2013

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • Roger … I would love to hear from you !! I so remember you, your mom and dad, and your sister Elaine and brother Vincent. My email is brucemcc@mts.net. Shirley Peterson - Posted by: Shirley Peterson (Sister) on: Apr 08, 2022

  • Jim was my best friend in Grades 3-5 at East St. Paul School & Bird's Hill School, a very smart person liked by all. I have wonderful memories of the 3 years my family lived at Lot 92 on Hoddinott Road, and the kindness shown by Jim's parents, Walter and Betty. Great people who treated everyone well. I remember one Saturday my dad worked 10 hours as a farm hand, and got paid with a crisp $5 bill (a fair wage in those days). Best wishes to Peggy and Shirley and families. Your family made the world a better place, and it seems that Jim continued to earn friendship and respect for the Peterson name and himself. - Posted by: Roger Taguchi (Friend) on: Feb 02, 2022

  • Having studied, partied and played back-up guitar for the University of Manitoba "Engineering Band" for which Jim often provided vocals ("Charlotte the Harlot" was a fan favourite) was a wonderful experience. Jim was a larger than life individual who made my university years that much richer for sharing it with him. - Posted by: Bob Marshall (University of Manitoba Engineering - Buddie) on: May 15, 2013

  • I was surprised to find a notice of Jim's passing in the recent U of Manitoba Alumni Journal. I did not know Jim all that well but we were a very small class of civil engineers, only about 40 in all. Mostly, I remember Jim's big smile, the twinkle in his eye and his zest for life. My condolences. - Posted by: Garry Maxwell (Class mate from Civil Engineering) on: May 10, 2013

  • To Jan and family, Peggy, Shirley and Ernie, Harold, Marilyn and Jeffery. My deepest and most sincere condolences to you on your loss. Jim was a wonderful person, and I especially appreciated him and Jan visiting my father (Henry Schwabe) whenever they were in Winnipeg. They must have known how lonely Dad was, and I hope they knew how much it meant to him and how much he appreciated it. Back in highschool, Jim was elected President of the Student Body at River East Collegiate. The school was only in its' second year. Jim, with his imaginative approach, somehow managed to open the door to many after school activities and clubs. His secret weapon was his ability to include everyone. He loved people and people loved him! I am so very, very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Darlene Watts (cousin) on: Mar 01, 2013

  • To the family of Jim: If you wait long enough, all your words will be used. Although I hadn't seen Jim for a long time(except for the time we took Peggy to the airport and ran into Jim and got to meet Jan) all my memories are of my childhood and teen years with Sonny. I never saw him cranky or rude. He could tease you till your eyes were teary with embarrassment Or laughter. To be invited to Sonny's parties, was the best. I learned about a lot of things some good and some Wicked! I'll always call you my big brother. Love - Posted by: Karin Peterson (Cousin) on: Feb 04, 2013

  • What an unbelievable shock. A world without Jim will be a much duller place. Our thoughts go to you, Jan and all of the family, he will be so hugely missed. We are so thankful for our time with you at Rocky Lake in 2008 and all the other hilarious times going back to the UMSU cafeteria when we were students over 40 years ago, skipping classes and endless cups of horrible coffee. Jim always kept everyone laughing, no matter what, he had a joke (and often a nick name) for every person and for every occasion. His quick wit legendary and his laughter contagious. We will miss him very much and think of him often and all the good times we shared. Our thoughts are with you, Jan. - Posted by: Penny Walton and John Jordan (One very old friend and one relatively new one) on: Jan 28, 2013

  • There ought to be a party! Jimmy was the key organizer and consumate host - his birthday parties at Dorothy Lake, corn roasts at Clear Lake, Stradbrook, Montrose, Centennial, politically incorrect costume new years, making potato salad in the kitchen sink, best man for many of us. These things we remember today. Condolences to Jan and the Petersons. Fred and Jean from Courtenay BC. - Posted by: Fred and Jean Ennis ('old' friends) on: Jan 27, 2013

  • Jan - our deepest condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Harold & Alice Ginter (Friends) on: Jan 25, 2013

  • What a shock for Jo and Me! Big Jim lived life to the fullest and will be missed. He was a true friend from the good old days of hunting on the "mezha" to golfing in the Petersen Open! Having kip cap at Jolly Wally's or smoking sausage at Blair's house! Great memories and so many stories! Jimmer will be missed for his company, his fishing prowess and his smiling face. Our condolences to Jan and the Petersen family. May God bless, Max and Jo - Posted by: Max and Jo Maksymetz (Long time friends) on: Jan 23, 2013

  • Jan & family... such a tragedy, just to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you always Jim will really be missed. Condolences to to you & family - Posted by: Bev&Bill Donaldson (friend) on: Jan 23, 2013

  • Sad at the news for all of you, I only wish I had seen Jim in the last few years; we had lots of fun as cousins when we were youngsters!! - Posted by: Carole Forbister (cousin) on: Jan 22, 2013

  • Hello Cousins, I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear about the passing of Jim. How sad to leave his lovely cottage and the outdoor life he loved! My memories of Jim are also from the great outdoors about 40 or 50 years ago. He would patiently take the younger cousins for rides on the snowmobile and auto-boggan every New Years Day, spending hours in the cold until we all had had our fill of being pulled along at great speed. He was patient and always obliging to us kids. I will always have that memory of him. - Posted by: Janice McMechan (cousin) on: Jan 22, 2013

  • Jan, Shirley and Ernie, Harold and Marilyn and Peggy, My deepest condolences from myself and Zach and Rebecca. Jim was a very large part of our life while we lived at Rocky Lake. He stayed at our house before we moved into it, while we were out of town and he was clearing his lot. We had not even met Jim or his family at that time and later, we got all of these pictures of a party at our house, and we didn't recognize one person! Jim was always willing to help us out and have fun. I keep having snapshots in my mind of Jim and they are all good and Jim is always smiling. The last time I saw Jim which was days before he passed on, he looked so good. We are better for having known Jim. Barbara Zimmer - Posted by: Barbara Zimmer (Frind) on: Jan 22, 2013

❮ Go Back to Listings