In Memory of James R. Peterson

James R. Peterson, age 71, of Braham and formerly of Isanti, died July 24, 2014 at the St. Cloud VA Hospital. The funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at Siloa Lutheran Church with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. There will also be a visitation from 5 – 8 P.M. on Monday, July 28th at our Isanti Chapel.  James is survived by his wife, Sharon, and family.

James Robert Peterson was born June 18, 1943 in Isanti to Walter and Esther (Anderson) Peterson. He was raised in Isanti and graduated from Cambridge High School, Class of 1962. Jim then attended the University of Minnesota for two years. Jim married Betty Jean Adamek and they were the parents of two children. They were married until 1982. Jim was in the Army from 1967 – 1969 and served in Viet Nam. After the service he returned to Isanti where he owned and operated J & J Pub for several years. After selling the Pub he was bar manager for the Isanti VFW for 11 years. He was an active member of the VFW and served on their color guard. On September 14, 1991 he married Sharon Lustig and they made their home in Isanti until moving to Springfield, Missouri where they owned a bar and grill for 8 years. In February of 2009 they moved back to Isanti County, near Braham. Jim enjoyed his church family and his faith was very important to him. His hobbies and interests included fishing, camping, hiking, watching sports and he sponsored girls softball teams in earlier years. Jim was an outdoor person and loved nature, watching the birds and animals, and the peacefulness of living in the country.

James died July 24, 2014 at St. Cloud Veterans Hospital at the age of 71 years.  Besides his parents he was preceded in death by 1 brother, Glen; 2 sisters, Lois and JoAnn; step-daughter, Sharilyn.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sharon of Braham; 2 children, Jami (Akash) Haider of Almelund, Jason (Michelle) Peterson of Taiwan; step-son, Troy Lustig of Braham; 5 grandchildren, Sarah (Dan) Kollodge, Samantha Nugent, Trevor and Corey Lustig, Jacqueline Peterson; brother, Gilbert (Marlys) Peterson of Isanti; sister, Kay (Loran) Lindell of Isanti; and many other relatives and friends.