James Peterson

James Lincoln Peterson

On October 29, 2021, James Lincoln Peterson died at the age of 78—3 ½ years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and almost 79 years after a life well-lived. He died at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on November 12, 1942 in Kewanee, IL to Reinhold and Florence Peterson, the middle of three sons. His family moved to Red Wing, MN and then Superior, WI, where he graduated from high school. Time on the Mississippi and Middle Eau Claire Lake instilled a life-long love of being on the water.

Jim received his BA from Gustavus Adolphus College and started his career as a high school science teacher. He then earned a PhD in entomology at UN Lincoln in 1972; did his post-doc research at UW Madison in aquatic biology; and served as an ecologist with the National Commission on Water Quality in Washington, DC. From 1976-1984, he served as vice president at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, PA and then was named president of the Science Museum of Minnesota, where his almost 20-year tenure included building a new museum on the banks of the Mississippi in St. Paul. He returned to Gustavus to serve as President from 2003-2008, a position he felt so honored to hold. A one-year interim presidency at Northland College in Ashland, WI followed. He capped his career as “facilities manager” of St. Anne’s Church in London, England, where wife Susan served as interim pastor in 2013.

Jim and Susan married in 1964. Together they built a loving family, meaningful careers, and incredible community around them in every place.

Jim was gentle, kind, curious, humble, funny, and loving. He loved his family, time with his grandsons, bugs, birds, crossword puzzles, travel, and post-dinner questions at the table. He will be deeply missed.

Jim is survived by wife Susan; children Hans (Amy) and Erika (Nate); grandchildren Sam (21) and Peter (17); brothers Tim (Victoria) and Paul (Cynthia); brother-in-law Rick (Suzanne); six nieces and nephews and their families; and close friends and colleagues from every chapter of his life.

We are incredibly grateful to the caring staff at MN Oncology and Grace Hospice and to all who’ve sent food, gifts, and words throughout this chapter.

Funeral to be held Thursday, November 11, 3pm, Central Lutheran Church, 333 S 12th St, Mpls; validated parking in church surface lot. (Live stream: http://: www.centralmpls.org ) Service for inurnment of the ashes on Friday, November 12 (Jim’s birthday), 2pm, Christ Chapel, Gustavus Adolphus College, 800 West College Ave., St. Peter. Masks required, vaccination highly encouraged. Instead of flowers, please send memorials to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or an organization that represents your connection to Jim.