James "Jim" Allen Peters

He was born on March 25, 1955 in Muskegon, Michigan to Ardis and Richard Peters. He grew up in North Muskegon with his beloved brothers, Bob and John. It was here he developed his deep love and passion for running and for cars. He demonstrated his early passion for cars by taking a summer class in auto mechanics well before he was even old enough to drive. These passions stayed with him for a lifetime.

After high school he went on to Michigan State University where he earned his undergraduate degree. He married Debi Smith on September 30, 1978. While their marriage ended in divorce, their love and commitment to their 4 children never diminished. Later he would continue his studies at Notre Dame where he earned his MBA. Jim had a long successful career in the automotive industry keeping him connected to his love for cars. It was through this career that he had the opportunity to travel around the world. While he was missed at home, his kids eagerly awaited the souvenirs and candy he would bring upon his return. From sweatshirts to dolls and always a Toblerone bar and gummy bears, the gifts were simply an opportunity to sit with their dad and hear of his recent experiences. A gifted storyteller, Jim made every trip sound like an adventure. For business entrepreneurial “fun” he dabbled in small enterprises with his brother and helped his father start Peters Auto Sales dealing mostly in older cars and classics.

Outside of work Jim was committed to ensuring his family and even their friends had a multitude of experiences. Together they enjoyed late night swims, trips to warm places, lessons in driving and changing tires, bon fires, decadent meals, college football tailgates, and boisterous games of basketball in the backyard.

He would often try to recruit others to join him in running as well; however, the reality was that no one else could keep up. Jim’s running skills included a rare combination of speed and endurance. In high school, he was part of a mile relay team that set the high school record that stood for over three decades, and even as he battled the ongoing stages of dementia, he completed a full 26.2 mile marathon in his late 50’s. Jim valued endurance in everything he did. He demonstrated it in his life, his career, his running and battling his final illness.

His legacy lives on in the memories he made, the wisdom he imparted, the generosity he modeled, and the love he gave. Jim is remembered as an ethical, hardworking, charismatic, competitive, and magnanimous man with a compassionate heart. Jim was generous with his time and gifts to charity. He donated to many causes over the years. The thing he was most proud of was his role, along with his family, in establishing the Robert L. Peters Strength and Training Center at North Muskegon High School in honor of his beloved brother.

He is survived by his mother, Ardis Peters, brother, John (Karen) Peters, former spouse, Debi Smith-Taylor, children, Tiffany (Logan) Creager, Jamie (Holly Miller) Peters, Philip (Jill Harrison) Peters, Rick (Sonja) Peters, former spouse, Ragini Saxena and daughter Ashima Peters, and grandchildren: Piper and Hadley Creager and Natalia Peters and grand doggies Suzie Q and Brinkley. Waiting for him in Paradise is his father, Dick Peters, his brother Bob Peters, and his best friend Tim.

A private memorial will be held at a later date.

Leppert Mortuary – Carmel Chapel, Carmel, Indiana assisting with arrangements. To share a memory, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.