James K. Peterson

James Kenneth Peterson, “Jim”, died peacefully at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton on December 16, 2015, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 81 years old. Born in Sioux City, IA, on October 17, 1934, he was the son of the late David and Beulah Peterson, and the brother of Timothy Peterson of Traverse City, MI. Jim’s early years were spent in Madison, WI, moving onto Battle Creek, MI, in his teens. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1956 with a B.S. degree in Economics and Packaging Engineering. A member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, he also was a member of the ROTC, achieving the rank of Captain in the Army. On February 2, 1957, he married Nanette Olin. The couple then moved from Ft. Bliss, TX, to Richmond, VA, where Jim joined Reynolds Aluminum, and a series of corporate moves ensued throughout the U.S., from Philadelphia to Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, New Canaan, CT, Boston and then, returning to Bryn Mawr, PA. Following his Reynolds years, Jim joined Continental Group, where he rose to become a Vice President and General Manager. Jim was an active and respected member of the board of Southco Corporation in Concordville, PA, now known as TouchPoint. In 1982, an opportunity to buy his own company occurred. Graphic Packaging Corporation became an exciting adventure, and he served as President. He eventually sold the company to Coors Brewery. It was at this time that thoughts of moving to Easton and the ours-of-doors became a reality! Not wanting to be idle for too long, he felt strongly about contributing his time, talents and energy. Talbot County welcomed him with open arms. He joined the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum board, becoming Chairman of the Board. He also proudly served on the Easton Memorial Hospital Board for several terms, Character Counts, Talbot Mentors, Hospice, and on the Vestry at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Oxford. He also served on the board of Baywoods Retirement Community in Annapolis, where he was an owner as well. To relax, he enjoyed tennis, golf, fishing, and hunting with his Labrador Retrievers. He loved spending time with his eight grandchildren, and watching them play sports. In his spare time, he returned to his love of adventure, whether it was trekking in Nepal, floating the Amazon, skiing the Alps, going on Outward Bound, or annual fishing trips for over fifty years with the same four pals. He was the first to say that “Life is good!” In 2012, Jim wrote an autobiography for his family, entitled Outrageous Good Fortune, A Life’s Odyssey from a Midwest Youth. He gave copies away to any and all, and it is now into its fifth printing. Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nanette Peterson; his three children, Kimberly Peterson of Pittsford, NY, Kristin Jaramillo of Oxford, MD, and David Peterson of Easton, MD; and eight grandchildren. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held the Church of Holy Trinity in Oxford, MD, on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11 a.m. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to the Church of Holy Trinity, 502 South Morris Street, Oxford, MD 21654 or to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663.

James K. Peterson

October 17, 1934 - December 16, 2015