James Francis Peters Sr.

Born November 13, 1920 in Detroit, MI. Passed away naturally and peacefully on January 16, 2015. Loving husband of Eleanor Peters who predeceased him in August. They were married for 66 years and lived in their Beverly Hills home for the last 48 years. Father of James F. Peters, Jr. (Judy), Carolyn A. Hemphill (Jerry), John M. Peters (Donna) and Lawrence A. Peters (Nancy); Grandfather of Erika F. Sheets (Matthew), Carey F. Peters, James F. Peters, III, Michael P. Peters, Nicole M. Hemphill-Cherix (Nicholas), Jaclyn S. Hasset (Michael), Daniel J. Hemphill, Julie A. Hemphill, Ellis A. Peters, Owen J. Peters, John M. Peters, Jr., Anthony J. Peters and Matthew J. Peters, Great Grandfather of Skylar Sheets, David Sheets, Anja Peters and Naia Peters.

Tenth of twelve children born to Anthony & Hannah Peters who immigrated from Serhel, Lebanon to the Detroit, Michigan in 1906. Jim was the last survivor of the family.

1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps standing 5’3” tall. Served in the 467th Bomb Group, 789th Squadron. Survived 30 missions as a navigator of a B-24 bomber over Germany in World War II the last 19 of which as either Squadron or Group Leader. Recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Navigator’s Air Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters, 4 battle stars and the American and European Theatre ribbon.

Practicing Michigan Certified Public Accountant for 35 years. Member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) from 1950-2015. Recipient of the MACPA Distinguished Service Award in 1987. President of the Michigan Accountancy Foundation from 1980 - 2003.

Member of the Birmingham Senior Men’s Club for 25 years and Birmingham Area Seniors Coordinating Council (BASCC) for 15 years where he played bridge and provided free tax services to those in need.

Rarely missed Sunday mass and never complained about a meal he was served. Avid golfer, ballroom dancer, weekly bridge player and daily cross word puzzler. A great Dad. A great Grandpa. Uncle Jim. Our patriarch. A sterling example of the maxim God, Family and Country.

Memorial mass Saturday February 21, 2015 at 10:30 am at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, 32340 Pierce Street, Beverly Hills, Michigan 48025 followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers please contribute to a charity of your choice in Jim’s honor. Memories or notes of condolences may be sent to the family at www.pixleyfuneral.com.