James ‘Jim’ D. Peterson

James “Jim” D. Peterson, 65, of Rudd passed March 8, 2019.

A Memorial Service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N Hawkeye Ave, Nora Springs, IA 50458, with Pastor Sue Simmons officiating.

Jim’s family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2019, at the funeral chapel.

James David Peterson was born October 23, 1953, in Mason City to Addler “Pete” and Florence (Crook) Peterson. He grew up in Mason City, attending and graduating from Mason City High School. Following high school, Jim found work as a bus mechanic, working at the Rudd-Rockford-Marble Rock Schools for 30 years and becoming a bus driver for the last 9 years until his retirement in 2018.

On April 22, 1989, Jim married the love of his life, Cynthia Watros, in Rockford. Together they made their home in Rudd.

Jim lived life each day to its absolute fullest. He was a man who never met a stranger. He found love in old things — antique pedal cars, antique gas pumps, and his two show trucks. Fixing things and tinkering brought joy to Jim, even if it probably caused him some sort of injury. He was a Chargers’ football fan and blues music lover.

Jim found joy in the simpler things in life. He was known for his sense of humor and quick wit, and was always trying to pull the wool over someone’s eyes. He had a memory like a steel trap, which would often get him into trouble.

But most of all, Jim was a family man. He had a love for his family and was constantly looking forward to the next get-together. His favorite spot was behind the grill or sharing the table in a game of pool. His grandchildren were the light of his life and he could constantly be found in the stands at their events.

Left to cherish his memory include his wife of 30 years, Cynthia “Cindy”; his children, Jake (Dana) Peterson of Plymouth and Leah (Travis) Kline of Mason City; five beloved grandchildren, Brooklyn, Leah, Thomis, Carlie, and Maizie; sisters, Marcia (Dennis) Christensen of Manly and Nancy (Ray) Easley of Marion; sisters-in-law, Mary (Steve) Mrdjenovich, Sue Carr, Janenne (Tim) O’Donnell and Jennifer (Jeff) Ginapp; brother-in-law, Lon Watros; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Those preceding him in death include his parents, Pete and Florence; brothers, Bob Peterson and Gary Peterson; a sister, Sharon Norris; as well as his best friend ever, his companion Pepper.

“Glad you got to see me, wish you could meet more nice people like me!” – Jim

Sheckler Colonial Chapel, 114 N Hawkeye Ave, Nora Springs, IA 50458. (641) 749-2210, ColonialChapels.com.