James A. "Jim" & "Black Pete" Petersen

James Arnold "Jim" & "Black Pete" Petersen, age 87, of Willmar, passed away Sunday morning, September 3, at Centra Care Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

A celebration of his life and gathering of family and friends will be from 12 noon to 3 PM on Sunday, September 10, at Centennial Square in Willmar.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Jim was born on December 3, 1935, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Soren and Wilma (Adrian) Petersen.  He grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1953.  Jim began working as a newspaper deliveryman and a milk man.  He spent many years racing stock cars at area race tracks.  From 1958-1960, he served in the U.S. Army and later spent many years in the Minnesota National Guard and Army Reserves.   Jim later worked as a service station owner, a truck driver with Smith Trucking and later Nelson trucking.  He later owned and operated his own semi.  When Jim was home from the road, he enjoyed hunting, fishing in Canada, going to the casino and sharing a good meal with family and friends.  He was always up for a card game or game of cribbage.  In his retirement years, Jim volunteered at senior dining.  He was known for his quick wit and one-liners that often left people with a smile on their face.

He is survived by his brother, DeWayne (and Lois) Petersen of Edina; many nieces and nephews and special friends, Greg Tompt, Peggy Morrison and Jennifer Russell.

He was preceded in death by his parents.