Obituary: James Raymond Peterson

Obituary
2 hours ago
2 min read

“It doesn’t matter where you go in life. It’s who you have beside you.”

James ("Jimmy") Raymond Peterson, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed at home on May 11, 2026.

He grew up in Douglas and was a lifelong Alaskan. Jimmy graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School, class of 1970. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1972. Stationed in Germany, he was an avionics communication specialist.

Following his military service, Jimmy embarked on a career as a power lineman, retiring as a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). His career took him on adventures across Alaska and the Lower 48. With his lineman buddies, he forged strong bonds and cherished memories and had one heck of a great time.

Jimmy's heart, however, truly belonged to his setnet camp Fox Island, at the south end of Kodiak Island. What began as an opportunity and kindness from his seventh-grade teacher blossomed into a lifelong passion and his greatest achievement. For nearly 60 years, Jimmy dedicated himself to the camp, nurturing it and sharing its beauty with his family, friends and an always colorful and hard-working crew of deckhands. It was here that his dreams took shape and where he found profound happiness.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Don and Norma Jean Peterson, his sisters Donetta Jean Peterson and Mary Lee Isaak, his brother Patrick Peterson, and his niece Jeanne Lewis.

The most important things to Jimmy were his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kim, son, Donny Peterson, brother Charlie and Theresa Peterson, numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and his unofficially adopted son, Danny Gerdes. Jimmy loved dogs and he is deeply missed by his Shepard girls Ripley and Kiera.

Jimmy was a man who valued friendship deeply, surrounded by many loyal and lifelong friends who were touched by his laughter and kindness. His spirit of generosity and warmth will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to thank the teams at Valley Medical, Bartlett Home Health, Capitol City Fire/Rescue, and Bartlett Hospital for their respectful and excellent care.

A Celebration of life is planned for next May.