OBIT: James 'Jim' Peterson

HALL – James ‘Jim’ Peterson, passed away peacefully at Rocky Mountain Care Center in Helena on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

Jim was born July 31, 1945, in Deer Lodge to Rupert and Edna (Peggy) Peterson. Shortly after Jim’s debut into the world, Rupert, Peggy, and older sister Pam moved to Hall where the family ranch was established.

Jim graduated from Drummond High School, and upon graduation was drafted to serve his county in Vietnam. Prior to being drafted, Jim married Carole Wilson. Jim and Carole spent time in Texas where Jim was stationed in the Army. After Jim’s honorable discharge from the Army, Jim and Carole returned to the family ranch in Hall where they welcomed son Eric and later daughter Tanja.

After sister Pam moved from the ranch, she would return in the summer months to spend time at the family ranch. Jim, “Uncle Donald,” as he was affectionally called spent hours with Pam’s children, Paul, Jeff, Scott and Kirstin, fishing, gopher hunting, and working on the ranch along with Eric and Tanja. Nephew Jeff loved ranch life and being Jim’s side-kick helping with countless projects, that he spent his high school years with Jim, Carole, Eric and Tanya.

In addition to teaching Jeff about the fine art of tinkering, Jim loved hunting, he and Eric spent many a fall in the hills chasing deer and elk.

Eventually, Jim hung up his cowboy hat and ranching. He traded them in for a baseball cap and his business name, Peterson Irrigation proudly displayed on the front of his cap. Jim continued with his irrigation business as well time spent as a logger in the winter months.

Upon retirement, Jim continued to enjoy hunting with Eric and spending time with family and friends, particularly in going to the “hills” as he called the beloved local mountains.

Jim dedicated his life to a lot of hobbies, gardening, cooking, hunting, fishing, and traveling, as well as helping his family and friends, and many others in the community of Hall.

Jim is survived by countless friends in the Flint Creek Valley. He is also survived by his son Eric and daughter in law Michelle. Their children Mia and Noah. Daughter Tanja and her family. Nephews Paul Delys, Jeff (Jeri), Scott (Alison) and niece Kirstin. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Rupert and Peggy, his beloved wife, Carole, and his sister Dr. Pamela Baglien.

Jim and his family would like to extend sincere thanks to dear friends Allen and Deb Doney, Dan and Dawn Hauptman and family, the staff at Renaissance Care in Helena as well as the VA in Fort Harrison Helena, Compassus Hospice and Rocky Mountain Care Center for their exceptional care, compassion and support.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim’s life on September 22, 2022, at the Hall Methodist Church at 4:00 pm with a reception at the Fire Hall after.