James Peterson

James (Jim) Peterson, age 93, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025. He was born on November 4, 1931 to parents Elmer and Florence Peterson in his grandparent’s home in Yellow Springs. They moved to Dayton, Ohio where Jim graduated from high school, joined the National Guard, and worked at NCR.

Jim joined the Air Force during the Korean War, which took him on many adventures while serving in Washington State, Illinois and Alaska. His life was forever changed while in Washington when he walked into a Woolworth’s during closing time and met the love of his life, Lela Mae Flanigan. Jim and Lee were married on March 22, 1953. With his passing on March 22, 2025, Jim and Lee can proudly say they were married a full 72 years.

They spent the first years of their marriage stationed in Alaska where their first son, James Stanley was born. The family loves hearing about their early adventures in Alaska. He served honorably in the Air Force until 1955 and then returned to Dayton, Ohio where their second son, William Lee, was born a year later.

After 30 years, Jim left NCR and turned his part-time upholstery business into a full-time business out of his basement working with his son, Jim. We will never forget hearing, “Day Foam” when we called their house. When family came to visit, if he didn’t come up from the basement quickly enough, Lee would stomp on the floor or knock on the wall to signal that he needed to take a break and come up to visit.

While their sons were young and still at home, Jim and Lee spent lots of time traveling and have been to the World’s Fair many times, took many trips out West and spent countless hours at Lake Cumberland with their friend Walt. Jim was never one to sit around and as he got older he was a regular athlete at the Kettering Senior Center playing volleyball, softball and bowling. His athletic abilities turned into a pile of ribbons and trophies from taking part in multiple Senior Olympics. He was also a faithful supporter, spectator and coach for various teams that his sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren participated in. He introduced several of his grandkids to the wonders of a slot machine and the toy slot machine in their home will live on as a family favorite for eternity.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lela (Lee) Peterson; sons Jim (Sherri) Peterson and Bill (Debby) Peterson; grandchildren Jennifer (Eric) Reason, Erin (Russ) Clark, Rob (Heidi) Peterson, and Dan (Mary) Peterson; and nine great grandchildren Addie, Leo, Eli, Eve, Cary, Violet, Emmett, Andi and Oliver and friends that were family Ron and Linda Miller.

We take comfort in imagining him reunited with friends and family hitting home runs, playing euchre, and winning at the slot machines.

Visitation will be held on April 19, 2025 at 2:00 followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 pm at Westbrock Funeral Home - 5980 Bigger Rd, Kettering, Ohio.

In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to The Foodbank Dayton at www.thefoodbankdayton.org