James “Jim” O. Petersen, 79

Jim Petersen

Blue Earth – James “Jim” Orville Petersen, age 79, of Blue Earth, formerly Albert Lea, passed away unexpectedly at home Feb. 28, 2021. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m., at the Community Covenant Church in Huntley, with Rev. Rodney Yates officiating. Visitation will be Friday March 12 from 4-7 p.m. at Patton Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Alden Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at www.pattonfh.com. 

James was born on May 19, 1941 in Beauford, to Orville and Dorothy (Emery) Petersen. He grew up in rural Winnebago, and attended Winnebago school, then enlisted in the US Army, where he was later honorably discharged. 

He married Jillayne Marks, they had three children, Jaymie, Jerry and Jason and later divorced. He then married Marian Johnson, they had five children, Chris, Nicole, Nichelle, Carl and Nisa and later divorced. He married Gloria Lyman on Oct. 2, 1982, and resided in Albert Lea until moving to Blue Earth in June 2020. 

Throughout his life, he worked at several places including Loveall Construction, drove truck for Espeland and Butler Farms and other odd jobs. He enjoyed camping, having “coffee” with the guys, fishing, tinkering on lawnmowers, especially “Cubby,” going for a drive to see nature and doing word search puzzle books, woodworking, music and he loved his flannel. If he was able, he tried to help anyone he could and was often mistaken for Santa while out and about. He was a member of the American Legion Post #56 in Albert Lea.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Jaymie (Wes) Saunders, Chris (Amy Magnus) Petersen, Nicole (Michael) Spear, Carl (Lola) Petersen, Nisa (Cory Donovan) Petersen, Sherri Johannsen, Stewart Lyman, Scott Lyman and Steven Lyman, 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Lucille Edwards, Marsha (Rodney) Anderson and Mary Mealman; brothers-in-law, Edward Patterson, Samuel Armstrong, Gary (Linda) Seltun and Greg (Judy) Seltun; sisters-in-law, Peggy (Joe) Stimpert and Glenda Wiegel; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria (2008); sons, Jerry and Jason Petersen; daughter, Nichelle Petersen; sisters, Sheila, Diana, Janet, Susan and Carol; brothers, Gary, Barry, William, Mark and Sheldon; and his parents. At this time, memorials can be sent to Patton Funeral Home for the family.