James Val Petersen

Val and his twin brother A. Dahle Petersen were born March 10, 1939, to Dahle Bennion and Fayora Belle (Miller) Petersen of Murray, UT.

Val graduated from Cyprus H. S. in 1957. Two years later, he married his high school sweetheart Lyda Margarite (Muggs Markham) Petersen. They were married for forty-seven years.

Val was an outside sales representative for twenty-five years, retiring in 1995 from Levi Strauss and Co., where he achieved salesman of the year for thirteen of those years. Earlier in his career Val worked for Winder Dairy, and Textan.

Val and Muggs had two children, Tawny (Petersen) Christensen of Star Valley, WY. and Byron “Dean” Petersen of Sandy, UT. Three beloved grandchildren, Caitlin (Christensen) Walters (Travis), Colter (Nicole) Christensen and Jodi Petersen and Fiancé Nick Howard.

Val and Muggs loved traveling. Having traveled to Ireland thirteen years in a row to march in the St. Patrick's Day parade. Some of the most exotic trips were to: South America, South Africa, a cruise down the Amazon, the Panama Canal and numerous Caribbean cruises.

Val and Muggs were also dedicated grandparents who exposed their grandchildren to the world of travel. For 10 years, every summer, they took their grandkids on grand-baby trips. Just Grandpa, Grandma and the grandkids visiting National Parks, the Pacific coast, Alaska and even a Caribbean Cruise. A plaque hangs in our office that sums up their feelings and mine regarding their grandchildren:

“A Hundred Years From Now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a CHILD.”

Val had many talents. He enjoyed gardening and cooking. His gourmet meals will be missed. His passion however was golf. Any place, any time, any partner. He was a member of the family HTH (hit ‘til you’re happy) club. Val golfed in most of the cities and countries he visited. His favorite line for the golf course pro was: “what's the course record and where is the first tee?”

Val is survived by his loving wife of seventeen years, Ruthann (Wilmes) Petersen of Bullhead City, AZ, his four brothers, Dahle (Tammy) Petersen of Taylorsville, UT, Neil (Julynne) Petersen of West Valley City, UT, Blain (Barbara) Petersen of Little Rock, AR, and Jerry (Cyndy) Petersen of South Jordan, UT, Brother-in-law Ed (Kristine) Wilmes, and numerous nieces and nephews. Val will be missed by us all.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Muggs Petersen. His parents Dahle and Faye Petersen. Sister, Carol (Petersen) (Wes) Hill, brother Vaughn Petersen, and sisters-in-law Carol Lynn May, and Janice Marie Warhurst.

A Celebration of a life well lived will be held at 10 a.m. On Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Laughlin, Nevada. The Rev. Charles B. Urnick will officiate the Mass of the Resurrection.

In place of flowers, contributions may be made to the Colorado River Food Bank, Laughlin, NV., or the American Cancer Society.