He was born in Columbus, Georgia on August 8, 1934 to the late Willie Forsyth Peters and Alfie Lee Peters. James’ family moved to Apalachicola, Florida when he was a small child and later moved back to Columbus. When James was in middle school he chose to stay home and help support his family. James faithfully served his country in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Spangler DE-696. James was married to the late Juanita Owenby, the love of his life. They were married until her passing in 2018. Together they made Columbus home where they raised their family. James owned his own business with his brother, Willie, James & Willie Peters Paint Co., painting and making the world a more colorful place. James had a passion for music which he inherited from his Dad. He and his family sang in the gospel groups, “The Gospel Lights” and “Mama’s Dream” from the 1960’s until the late 1990’s. James will be greatly missed by all who knew and especially loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two sons: James Randall Peters and Robert Edward Peters.
James leaves his loving memory to be cherished by his daughter, Rhonda P. Mounts (Dean); sons: Ronnie L. Peters and Rodney K. Peters (Barrett Parker Peters); his loving grandchildren: Richard Mounts, Rachel Peters, Ryan Peters (Kristen), Rex Mounts (Kristian), Ashleigh Mounts (Allan), Rebecca Peters; his loving great grandchildren: Austin Mounts, Nataleigh Mounts, Bayne Britt, Ashlynn Murray, Hunter Murray, Luke Murray, JP Pippin, Conner Pippin, Carson Pippin, Hannah Kathryn Peters; sisters: Barbara Lawrence, Shirley Patterson, and Marilyn Reid (Mike); brother, Willie Fred Peters (Sandra); and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the St. Elmo Room at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907. A service to celebrate his life will be held Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 2:00 PM in Pine Mountian Valley, Georgia at Community Chapel Church with Reverend Rick Lipp officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Gardens on Monday March 8, 2021 at 12:00 noon.
