Date of death: 3/12/2012
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1963
James R. Peterson, loving husband, devoted father, joyful grandfather, Army veteran, retail manager and collector car enthusiast, died at his home in North Richland Hills on Monday, March 12, 2012. James R. Peterson was born March 29, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minn. A devout Catholic, Mr. Peterson attended St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Indiana. He then attended Loyola College in Chicago, subsequently receiving his bachelor’s degree, in business administration from Marian College in Indianapolis, Ind., where he met his bride to be, Isabel A. Harnish. After marrying Isabel on Aug. 18, 1962, Mr. Peterson went to work in retail management for L.S. Ayres in Indianapolis. It was an exciting time for the retail business, when companies were beginning to develop large discount outlets, the kind of retail outlets that would eventually become ubiquitous across America. As a store manager, Mr. Peterson opened new stores and established new markets for corporations like Ayr-Way in Indiana and Illinois, then Gibson’s and Target Stores in Texas. Mr. Peterson loved following the Texas Rangers, and he was an avid car collector. He could be often seen in his wide-brimmed straw hat at local automobile events like swap meets, auctions and exhibits.Survivors: Mr. Peterson is survived by his wife, Isabel Harnish Peterson; his brother, Thomas E. Peterson of Greendale, Wis.; his sister, Kadie O’Connor of Aurora, Ill. He is also survived by three children, John F. Peterson of Dallas, Robert A. Peterson and his wife, Mary Ann, of Rockwall, and Theresa Katharine Cayton and her husband, Joe, of Houston. Mr. Peterson’s grandchildren are Katelyn June Peterson, Christopher Anthony Alexander Cayton, Madeline C. Cayton, and Air Force Capt. Jordan G. Cayton.