James Lloyd Peterson

Master Sergeant James Lloyd Peterson

March 23, 1948 – July 23, 2025

James Lloyd Peterson—Dad, Gramps, Brother, Warrior, Boat Captain, and self-declared Patron Saint of Sarcasm—passed away on July 23rd, 2025 in Nampa, Idaho, at the age of 77.

Born in sunny San Diego on March 23, 1948, James spent his early days beachside in Coronado and the desert winds of Imperial Valley before settling in Idaho in 1951. He attended Twin Falls High School until, at just 17, he decided textbooks were overrated and joined the U.S. Army—because why not jump out of planes and crawl through jungles instead?

He served two tours in Vietnam as a member of the Army Special Forces, mastering communications, parachuting, and the fine art of gallows humor. His military career spanned 28 years and took him around the world, where he continued his work in telecommunications—and in collecting stories that no one could quite tell like he could. 

After retirement, James took to the seas, living in the Caribbean aboard his beloved boat, Bifrost, for 19 glorious years. Unfortunately, Hurricane Dorian had other plans and sent him ashore one final time. He returned to Idaho and spent his final year living with his daughter and son-in-law, still reading, laughing, and occasionally offering unsolicited (but usually correct) advice.

James had a brain like a steel trap, a wit that could slice through steel, and a heart that held deep love for his family, fellow veterans, and anyone who shared his curiosity for life. He was a driving force in maintaining the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Twin Falls, honoring those who served alongside him. 

He faced cancer with courage and—true to form—humor. He once declared that Deadpool was the patron saint of cancer patients, proudly printing this motto on T-shirts he insisted we wear at his memorial. So if you see someone in a Deadpool shirt next spring, give them a nod—they're one of his people.

“The worst part about cancer isn’t what it does to you, but what it does to the people you love.” – James L. Peterson 

James is survived by his four children, Lori (Kevin) Nielson, Michelle Applegate, Valkyrie (Kevin) Domenick, and Erik Peterson; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; and a lively crew of five sisters: Kathleen (Jack) Hood, Marsha Forsythe, Louisa Parshall, Muriel (Rick) Ward, and Sally (Paul) Baird. 

In true James fashion, he donated his body to science so students could learn more and—hopefully—kick cancer’s ass for good someday. 

A memorial to celebrate his life (and probably his sarcastic commentary) will be held next spring. Come ready to laugh, remember, and maybe share a story or two

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