James Peterson

James W. Peterson, age 84, of Bolinas, CA, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2023 at his beloved ranch with loved ones at his side. The morning he took his final breath the fog lifted and the beautiful blue sky he so loved ushered him away and left us on a Strawberry Moon.

Jim served in the Army of the United States as Private First Class, 82nd Airborne Command from 1957-59 and reserves thereafter. He was stationed in Fort Bragg, NC and spent time in Panama. He was presented recognition of outstanding soldierly qualities by being selected to be Orderly to the Commanding General. He enjoyed boxing and loved to jump during his time in the military.

Shortly after his military service, Jim joined St. Paul Insurance Company, in St. Paul, MN. This began his fulfilling and successful insurance career. He spent time in Denver and Los Angeles before finding his way to his beloved city of San Francisco. He was exhilarated with the energy of the City. After arriving in San Francisco in the early ‘70s, he was enticed to the insurance brokerage side and went to work for Fred S. James Insurance Brokers. Over Jim’s almost 30-year brokerage career, he served as a senior executive with Fred S. James, Sedgwick, and Marsh. His expertise with risk management accounts was exemplary. He traveled the world (Europe, Asia, Australia) providing Risk Management Services to many Fortune 500 Companies. Jim was known in the industry for his innovation in developing highly successful commercial programs, many of which exist to this day. He rose to office head of Sedgwick San Francisco. Around 2000, Jim returned to the carrier side, serving with Alaska National for the remainder of his career. His support and loyalty for those he worked with advanced many relationships and careers.

Jim had many passions in life. He was drawn to the water. After the 1989 San Francisco earthquake he decided to live on a 50ft Stevens, named Peaceful Warrior in the Marina for seven years. He was a longtime member of The St.Francis Yacht Club. He had an obsession with automobiles which started at a very young age. He loved vintage cars, he loved old ones, new ones, fast, slow, big and small. He attended many car events but mostly enjoyed driving along Highway 1 in West Marin. In Jim’s fashion, one of his favorite rides was his beat up old Jeep Scrambler. His knowledge of historical cars was immense. Jim was an Equestrian. He rode western on trails of Topango Canyon (when in LA); outback of Australia; and Marin County. Jim even did a cattle round up in Eastern Nevada. He shared and taught the love of horses to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren along with family and friends. He loved animals, hiking and nature. His retirement was blessed with friendship, family, lots of love and full days.

Jim is survived by his longtime partner and soulmate of 35+ years, Dawn Eichelkraut. He was married to Ellen Peterson for 14 years and continued to enjoy her dear friendship. Jim is also survived by his children Laura (Jeff) Provest, Green Bay, WI; Susanne Brown, Applegate, CA; Lisa Peterson, Green Bay, WI; and seven grandchildren Rhea, James (JC), Gena, Tara, Nicole (Dennis), Crystal & Caitlin and twelve great grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, co-worker and friend, Bambi Gwin along with many great friends. We can’t forget his faithful horses Babe and Kobe and man’s best friend, Sophie.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel June & Irwin Martin Peterson, his three brothers (Irwin, Byron, Wayne) and former wife Margaret Robinson, mother of his children.

Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 2 P.M..

Details of his celebration will be shared at a later date. For any questions or desire to attend, please text or contact Dawn at 916-719-5456.

Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to:

American Macular Degeneration Foundation

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E331225&id=4

Marin Humane

https://www.marinhumane.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/memorial-tribute-gifts/