James Wendell Peterson, 77, passed from this mortal existence March 9, 2024, in St. George, Utah. He started his great adventure on November 9, 1946, as the youngest of four children of Erva Andrea Hansen and Joy Lars Peterson.
James was the friend that went looking for you. His first friends were his only brother and the many male cousins that he loved dearly. His many adventures got him into trouble and drew him closer to his family and friends. He earned the nickname “Boomer” around the time he discovered dynamite and fireworks. He had a great love for movies, sports, nature, his country and especially God the Father and Jesus Christ. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and would put his faith into action at every step of his life. He graduated from Dixie High School in the class of 1965. His only job was for his family at what started as Warthen and later became Newby Buick detailing cars and keeping everything presentable.
James met his wife Sharon Kay at one of many friend dinners he attended as a young man. After a brief courtship, they married on Nov. 3, 1983, and James gained a bonus daughter and son right away. It didn’t take long for them to add two more daughters to their family. Unfortunately, their union ended in 1991 but James kept Sharon as a friend and loved all of his children and grandchildren until the day he passed.
James is survived by his sisters Karen (Derral) Stratton and Sherrill (Kenneth) Newby; sister-in-law Carrie Peterson; daughters Karissa (Danl) Dunn, Rachel (Shane) Simonis, Jaime Peterson; son, Andrew (Megan) Stringham; 16 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
James is preceded in death by his parents Erva and Joy; big brother Merlin; ex-wife Sharon; and some of his best friends and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 18, at 10 a.m. at the St. George LDS Chapel located at 591 West 500 North, in his old home ward building. A viewing will be held prior to services at 8:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the St. George Cemetery, 650 East Tabernacle St.
Arrangements are under the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221. Click here to visit the Metcalf Mortuary website for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.