James “Jim” Petersen

07/04/1942 — 11/15/2022

From Richland, WA

James “Jim” Petersen

On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, Clifford James (Jim) Petersen loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at the age of 80 surrounded by family due to complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

Jim was born on July 4, 1942, in Logan Utah to Virginia and Clifford Petersen.  He spent most of his childhood in small towns near Logan. He loved roaming the fields with his dog in the beautiful Cache Valley. Jim graduated from Logan High School and attended Utah State University and University of Colorado. Jim had a wonderful experience serving the lord as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Saskatchewan, Canada.  Jim met the love of his life, Carol Ann Campbell while attending Utah State University. Jim and Carol Ann were married in the Logan, Utah Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Temple December 17, 1963, for time and all eternity.  Together they raised five wonderful children.

Jim started his career working for the Internal Revenue Service Depot in Ogden Utah and from there was accepted into the COBOL program in 1966, where he programmed and implemented a complex accounting system for the Department of Defense in Detroit, Michigan.   Jim and Carol moved to Denver where Jim worked for the Air Force finance and accounting center.   In 1974 Jim moved his family to Richland where he worked for ARHC, Boeing Computer Services as a systems analyst on the Hanford Site.  Jim transferred to Idaho Falls in 1976 working for EG & G, then soon began his own computer programming business, Superior Information Systems developing financial programs for businesses throughout Idaho and Wyoming. They returned to Richland, WA in 1987, where he worked again on the Hanford Site as a Manager until his retirement in 2004.  After his retirement Jim once again started his own business, Jim Petersen Taxes, he developed many lasting friendships throughout his time as a tax preparer.

Jim was a talented athlete, he excelled in baseball as a starting pitcher.  He played ball in both high-school and college. He played until he threw his arm out during a double-header.  His love for sports continued throughout is life and he loved routing for his favorite college teams.  He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served for many years in Bishoprics, as Young Men’s President, Scout Master, Stake Missionary, Ward Clerk and Sunday School Teacher.  The youth loved spending time and hearing Jim’s stories. To know Jim was to love Jim, he had a very warm and welcoming spirit.

Jim’s most prized accomplishment was his family. Jim was proceeded in death by his father Clifford Petersen, his mother Virginia Cornell, brother Henry Petersen, sisters Virginia Petersen, Clara Larsen, Shirley Andreasen, Alice Federer, and Betty Farr.  He is survived by his wife Carol Ann Petersen, sister Joyce Petersen, son Alan Petersen (Rebecca), daughters Heather Wiberg (Jevonn), Emily Gallup (Lance), Julie Petersen and Myndie Petersen. His grandchildren Madison Muir (Kirby), Amanda Bowers (Andrew), Jessica Wiberg, Elaine Zirker (Austin), Bailey DeMille (Curtis), Margaret Petersen, Abigail Gallup, Catherine Smith (Isaac), Caleb Gallup, Victoria Petersen, and Samuel Gallup.  He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Henry Muir, Charles Muir, Sophia Zirker, William Zirker and Jensen Bowers.

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James “Jim” Petersen

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  • I met Jim at work, long before I realized that my son’s (Jesse) great friend Myndie, was his daughter. Jim always stood out as a warm caring person. Always had a smile on his face and a happy “hi” to share! He will truly be missed, but he leaves a wonderful loving family in his wake! He was such an impressive man!

    Sharon Pedersen
    December 2, 2022
    Richland
  • Carol and family, we were saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was always a delight to visit with and he truly was a disciple of Christ in everything he did. His friendly smile and hearty handshake will be missed by all who had the opportunity to meet him. May God bless you with sweet memories and the knowledge that you are an eternal family.

    Gerald and Nancy Sorensen
    November 29, 2022
    Richland
  • I will never forget Jim holding foyer Sunday School lessons for all of us sitting out in the hallway. We had great discussions! He was such a big hearted man and will be dearly missed!

    Kelsey Clements
    November 26, 2022
    Richland, WA
  • Jim was a kind friend, a good teacher, and a great person for interesting discussions. He thought independently and spoke thoughtfully.
    I visited with him just a couple days preceding his passing and we had good conversation, even then. I will miss him.

    Keith Christensen
    November 22, 2022
    Richland
  • We are so grateful to have known Jim and the warm gentleman he was. Thank you for the example of faith and perseverance he has shown and through his family also.
    Kent and Ileen Hodgson

    Kent and Ileen Hodgson
    November 22, 2022
    Richland, WA
  • Jim was a great dude. He was my scout leader many many years ago and his example and his caring demeanor made me want to do things that he would approve of. I always enjoyed seeing him and shooting the bull over the years. Just an all around good guy. We will miss you Jim!

    Daniel Bosted
    November 22, 2022
    Prosser
  • Bro Petersen was a great Scout leader and a great example to us young men under his leadership. I remember working for him one summer doing lawn mowing and yard clean up as well. Brother Petersen, you will be missed but you have left a great legacy behind.

    Mikal Rex
    November 22, 2022
    Columbia Ward, Richland WA
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