James (Jim) was born on May 18, 1931, in Fort Gay, West Virginia to Noah B. Peters Sr. and Sophia Philpott.
He married his cherished wife, Emily Lou Gillam, after graduating as Salutatorian from Fort Gay High School in 1950.
He was a proud veteran who served his country in the Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954. Incidentally, all 4 of his brothers also proudly served from WW II through Korea.
Upon his discharge, he and Emily moved to Mansfield, Ohio, where they raised their family for the next 40+ years before building another home and moving to Lexington.
A long-time member of Cook Road Baptist Church, he faithfully served as treasurer, deacon, and on several building projects. However, his true passion was his involvement in mission work, where he and Emily took countless trips to countless countries serving missionaries from all over the world.
He studied to be a contractor, and in 1966 founded his business Jim Peters Plumbing and Heating. As a plumbing contractor, he worked alongside several builders, including Gus Sloboda and John Morley, helping to build most of the village of Lexington.
In 2004 they made the move to Titusville Florida, where they then joined Temple Baptist Church and faithfully served in several capacities there. They were very active in the Prime Timers, a senior outreach organization sponsored by church where they developed many deep and lasting friendships.
He always said, “I can’t preach, teach or sing, but I can plumb and I will do it for as long as the Lord lets me”. He was true to that statement helping so many others wherever he resided.
In 2018 they moved back to Mansfield at the Primrose Retirement Community and became members of Victory Baptist Church.
Jim is survived by his son, Jamie; daughter Susan; grandsons, Jason (Jennifer) and Brandon (Karen); three great grandchildren, Ella, Evan and Mia; and brother, John Jarrett. He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years; three brothers, Noah, Gene, and Jack; four sisters-in-law; and one nephew.
His wish was to be remembered as a leader with a servant heart.
Family and friends will gather for visitation on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario.
Wappner Funeral Directors – Ontario is honored to serve the Peters family.
