James M. Peterson
ROCKFORD - Jim knocked on heaven’s door on December 6, 2023 and went in smiling. He was born on May 12, 1946 in Rockford, IL to Kenneth J. Peterson and Constance H. (Sapiega) Peterson. Several siblings followed, with “Jimmy” leader of the pack. His childhood was filled with fun - playing outdoors with his brother and sisters, serving as Altar Boy, being a Boy Scout who attained Eagle Rank, listening to his grandfather’s Lithuania stories, and going to the horse races with his father.
He had a Catholic education. After graduating from St. James Catholic Grade School & Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford, Jim received a B.A. from Lewis University, a private Lasallian Catholic University in Romeoville, IL. After schooling he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam. Loving to help people and learn about other cultures, he was a Peace Corps volunteer in the ‘70s in the Dominican Republic and the Philippines. This propelled Jim to graduate school for sociology & anthropology, leading to social services work. In ‘81-82 he was Catholic Relief Services program director in El Salvador.
Jim coordinated the Winnebago County Health Department’s “Parents Too Soon” program and then became Booker Washington Community Center’s Assistant Director. In ‘92, Promised Land Employment Services hired him as Director. Jim’s career culminated with many years as Executive Director of Northwest Community Center, highlighted by the successful Multi-Cultural Expo, Bingo night, public computer lab, Boys & Girls Club programs, and kids’ softball league. His “kids” were so important to him, and he thought Rockford was the greatest! Jim was a loving son who devoted retirement to caring for his parents and was inspired by his mother to be an active Catholic.
He enjoyed many friends – with stories too numerous to tell - from the softball league, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and Storefront Cinema board. He also enjoyed politics. Not deterred by an unsuccessful ‘85 run for Rockford Township Supervisor, Jim served as Democratic Party Precinct Committeeman, and in 2000 won a County Board District 13 seat. He also felt honored to shake Barack Obama’s hand! Jim enjoyed art, theater, Bob Dylan music, growing tomatoes & marigolds in his garden, reading books by Thomas Merton, visiting a Trappist Monastery, watching birds out his window, the Chicago Cubs, South American coffee, going to Mass at St. Peter’s, and cooking delicious food! In fact, Jim was active in the Rockford Area Literacy Council’s “100 Men Who Cook” event – including making “Darn Good Vegetarian Lasagna”!
Jim is survived by his siblings, Kathleen (Joe) Lehman, Inkom, ID; Nathleen Rife, Lava Hot Springs, ID; Therese (Michael) Reed of Phoenix, AZ; and Jerome (Carolyn) Peterson of Sparks, NV; and preceded in death by his mother and father and a sister, Christine Akre. He leaves behind an extended family, many friends, and his cat Sofie. If you are so inclined, have a cup of coffee for him or build a birdhouse and feed the birds for him.
Services will be held Friday May 10th, 2024, 10:00am at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, 8616 W. State St., Winnebago, IL, followed by a 12:30 Celebration at NW Community Center. Memorials may be made to Northwest Community Center, 1325 N. Johnston Ave., Rockford, IL 61101.