James Peterson

JAMES THURE PETERSON, age 72, passed away July 11, 2010 at his home in Olathe, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Olathe Public Library, the Greenwood Historical Society, 120 West 4th Street, Eureka, KS 67045 or the Highland Community College Foundation, 606 W. Main, Highland, KS 66035.
Jim was born February 21, 1938 in Hamilton, KS and served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1956-1960. He received his Associate's Degree from Highland Community College, his Degree in Education from Kansas State University, and his Master's Degree from the University of Kansas. He began his teaching career in Blue Rapids, KS, in 1964, then moved to De Soto, KS in 1968, where he taught Social Studies and coached basketball and track until his retirement in 1997.

Jim was married to Eileen Fink in 1962, and she passed away in 1982. He then married Marilyn Goodrich in 1987, and together they made their home in Olathe and in Canada Lake, NY. Jim and Marilyn enjoyed international travel together after retirement, especially visiting his father's family and homestead in Sweden, and innumerable trips across North America in their RV. They were able to visit all the US Capitols.

He was active in the De Soto community with the Lion's Club, the De Soto VFW, and the DeSoto NEA. Jim enjoyed working with children and coaching youth soccer.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his children Shirley Peterson, Tim (Christine) Peterson, David Peterson, and Jamie (Marlo) Peterson, step-children Katherine (Michael) Thompson, Jack (Holli) Goodrich, and Lorraine Goodrich, grandchildren Michael Allen, Casey Allen, Chelsey Allen, Max Thompson, Sam Thompson, Joan Brockenborough, Patrick Brockenborough, Paige Peterson, Dally Peterson, Lydia Goodrich, Peyton Peterson, Carver Peterson, and Anna Goodrich, his sisters Peggy Perrin, Marjorie Fink, Patricia Eldred, and his brother Mike Peterson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Thomas, Donald, Robert and Joseph.

Jim was a kind, honest and selfless gentleman, who was generous with his family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know him.