John A. Peterson

John (Jack) Albert Peterson Born 23rd of April 1942 - Passing away the 9th of May 2010
John (Jack) Peterson is a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, an amazing man and friend. He grew up in St Louis, Missouri with his mother & father Paul & Rose Peterson and four brothers, Bob, Mike, David and Steve. John attended college at Portland State graduating with honors and continued with his graduate work at Lewis & Clark. After completing his graduate work he then became a teacher in Beaverton, Oregon. John then moved to Juneau, Alaska where he taught at Juneau Douglas High School as an Anthropology, Sociology and Western Civilization teacher. John taught in Juneau for 32 years. When John decided to retire he left his imprint of his spirit and skills. Retiring as a teacher he left Juneau with many broken hearts of children who could not wait to have him as a teacher. John was also a member of the Juneau Douglas Fire Department, where he worked long and hard as a member of the fire department, as well he worked very hard in and for the community. John was a full time volunteer fire fighter, certified EMT II. John served the department for 22 years as the Captain on the Juneau Douglas Fire Department. One of his fondest memories he had was when he would dress every Christmas as Santa and ride on top of the fire truck passing candy canes out with his wife. After retiring as an educator and firefighter in Alaska he moved to Oakland, Oregon. Since John could not give up his skills and experience as an educator, he continued teaching for 3 more years at Roseburg High, retired again, and then decided to act as a substitute teacher. John was active in the local rodeos, and horse shows within Douglas County. John loved to ride his horses with his granddaughter, hunt, fish and spend time with his family, grandchildren and friends. John also joined the Kellogg Fire Department as a volunteer after he move to Oakland, Oregon. Seemingly fitting the Kellogg Fire Department came to his aid in his last moments of his life. John is survived in life by his loving wife Joyce Peterson, brother David Peterson, son's Kevin, Jamie, Shaun Ward, daughter Brandy Walton and grandchildren Ashley, Kaytlynn, Tonya, and James Peterson, Brittney Weibe, and Shalene Walton. John was preceded in death by father & mother, daughter Wednesday Marie, brothers Bob, Mike and Steve. There will be a service held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Sutherlin, Oregon on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 4:00pm. For those who wish attend The Celebration of Life it will be held on Saturday May 22nd, 2010 starting at 3:00pm at the home of Todd & Christa Vogt at 515 Wilbur Rd, Roseburg OR 222. Please call for directions or email Brandy Walton 541-430-7077, silvers_b@yahoo.com . This is to give opportunity to all those who would like to share stories, smiles and memories about John. Cards are appreciated, as well as flowers, or make a donation to any local school or fire department in John's memory. Thank you to all who loved and cared for John, the world is a bit smaller without him.