James Leroy Peters

James L. “Jim” Peters was born on Dec. 9, 1930 to Estel and Jane “Louise” Peters in Wahoo, NE. He grew up and attended school there until he graduated from Wahoo High in 1948. While in high school he was actively involved in the Rodeo Club, and rode bulls and barebacks. He attended the Univ. of NE until he was drafted into the Army. He was in the service from 1951-1953 during the Korean Conflict. While in the service, he and fellow soldiers climbed Mt. Hood in Oregon. In 1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia “Pat” Russell in Lincoln. They lived in Lincoln while he finished his degree in Agriculture. He was again involved in the Rodeo Club while in college. He rode his last bull the weekend before his wedding, when he got hit in the face by the bull. Luckily the bruises were gone by his wedding day! In 1957 he graduated and they moved to western NE, where they worked on several ranches in the Sandhills. Daughters Jean and Lori were born while on the ranch. He then became County Agent in Rushville for six years. During that time many trips were made to the Black Hills, Colorado and Wyoming for camping and fishing trips. In 1968 the family moved to Madison, WI, where he completed his Masters Degree in Agricultural Communications in 1969. From 1969 until his retirement in 1988 he worked at the Univ. of NE Research and Extension Center in North Platte as the Area Information Specialist. He and his fishing boat made numerous trips to Lake Maloney and Lake McConaughy. He especially enjoyed fishing with his stepdad, “Brownie”. After retirement he and Pat traveled and found Casa Grande, AZ, where they wintered for many years, and thoroughly enjoyed the culture and beauty of the desert. After Pat’s death in 2003 from breast cancer, he married their good friend Dorothy Simpson in 2004. They shared 4 companionable years together before her death. At that time he moved to Lincoln and began dating a good high school and family friend, Darlene Kemerling. They were married in 2009. He is survived by his wife Darlene, daughters Jean (Jay), Lori (Joe), grandchildren Jennifer, Jessica, David (Cynthia), Natalie (Chris), Justin, Kelsey (Jim), Matthew (Tarah), Jordan (Alex), Rachel, Nathan, and Ryan, and 6 great grandchildren. He also is survived by stepdaughters Robin (Matt), Colleen (Tim), Jill (Ken), Gloria (Gary), and Marcia (Rick), and stepsons Danny (Salli), and Robert. There are also numerous step-grandchildren, and step-great grandchildren. Memorial Service: Sat. 3/28 at 11:30 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th St. in Lincoln, with light luncheon immediately following. Inurnment at Sunrise Cemetery, Wahoo, at 4pm. Casual attire suggested for both locations. Memorials may be made to Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, The Arc of Lincoln/Lancaster Co., American Lung Assoc., or the Paralyzed Veterans of America.