James Peterson

James Edward Peterson, 85, of Oklahoma City died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, August 15th. He was born in Altoona, PA the son of the late Lloyd E. and Ruth A. (Spacht) Peterson. He married Sharon (Douglas) Abbott on September 7, 1973, she preceded him in death on September 24, 2012. Sharon was the love of his life, and they enjoyed 39 incredible years together.Surviving are his step-children Jim Abbott (Annetta) of Oklahoma City and Roxann Dean of Holtville, AL and his children from his first marriage, Jim Peterson (Angela) of Indianapolis, IN and Melinda Willsey (Don) of Indianapolis; 9 grandchildren, Whitney Shedd(Josh) and Lacey Dunn(Ben) of Holtville, AL, Kyle Abbott of McAlester, OK, Katelyn Harbison(Trenton) of Del City, OK, Ivan and Erik Peterson of Indianapolis IN, Jacqueline Martinez of Greenwood, IN, Emily Gordon of Chicago, IL, and Christopher Willsey of Greenwood, IN, and 5 great grandchildren, Luke and Caroline Shedd of Holtville, AL, Pearson and Calloway Dunn of Holtville, AL, and Aubrey Cooley of Greenwood, IN. He was preceded in death by his brother: Reverend Ernest Peterson and sister: Lillian Lewis.Jim was a 1955 graduate of Altoona High School, received his bachelor's degree from Indiana Central College, his master's degree from the University of Indiana, and his PhD from the University of Oklahoma. Jim was a lifelong learner who valued educational opportunities and thrived helping others to grow and learn.Jim spent his career working in Human Resources and Training and Development for corporations in Indiana, Alabama, and most recently Oklahoma. He designed hundreds of training programs in his career and delighted in meeting and working with employees to help them enjoy success in their job. As Jim was nearing retirement from his career he decided to pursue and ultimately complete his PhD from the University of Oklahoma. He then spent two years as a college professor and worked as a consultant to many corporations.Jim was a devout Christian and proud member of the United Methodist Church. He loved music, sports, and supporting the efforts of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held on Sunday, September 4, 2022, beginning at 2pm at Remington United Methodist Church, 121 Ohio Street, Remington, IN officiated by Pastor Cathi Parish.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James and Sharon Peterson Endowment, c/o Oklahoma City University Athletics, 2501 N. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73106