James “Jim” Allen Petersen

July 31, 1933 ~ November 29, 2019

James “Jim” A. Petersen, 86, Brandon, died on Friday, November 29, 2019, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, after a brief illness.

Visitation will be 4:30-6:30pm, Friday, December 20, 2019 at Brandon Lutheran Church. Memorial services will begin at 6:30pm.  Inurnment will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Hayti, SD at a later date.

James Allen Petersen, son of Anton and Clara (Nielsen) Petersen, was born on July 31, 1933, in Lake Norden, SD. His family moved to Hayti, SD, where he attended school. Jim graduated from Hayti High School in 1952. Jim, his brother, and future brother-in-laws enjoyed playing basketball for Hayti and were state champions under the guidance of Coach Jim Marking. After graduation, he moved to Sioux Falls and worked for Sioux Falls Roofing before starting his career at John Morrell where he worked for 37 years. James married Darlene Henley on June 7, 1952, and the couple was blessed with four children. Jim owned Brandon Plaza Lanes, James Petersen Construction, where he spent his time building and remodeling homes. He served on the Brandon City Council and to help formulate the development of the city.

Jim enjoyed anything to do that supported his grandkids. He was their biggest cheerleader and loved to go to band concerts, choir concerts and sporting events. He still regularly attended basketball games in Brandon. He loved to watch sports on TV; mostly football and basketball. Jim also loved to play pinochle and cribbage with family, as well as playing cards at the VFW. He was an avid birdwatcher and had many feeders strategically placed around the yard. He was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Hope Lutheran Church and Brandon Lutheran Church during his time living in Sioux Falls and Brandon.

Jim will be greatly missed by his wife of over 67 years, Darlene, Sioux Falls; four children, Lynne (Mark) Erickson, Valley Springs, Mark (Della Wiese) Petersen, Brandon, Todd (Patty) Petersen, Sioux Falls, and Beth Lynn, Sturgis; nine grandchildren, Megan (Jon) Knutson, Nichole (Trev) Fletcher, Nate Erickson, Cody (Abbey) Erickson, Zach (Michelle) Petersen, Melanie Petersen, Erin Petersen, Lacey Lynn and Lexy Lynn; seven great grandchildren, Elise, Caitlyn, Tristyn, Annastyn, Keller, Savannah and Rosie; siblings, Delbert Petersen, Watertown, Harley (Marilyn) Petersen, Watertown, Wayne Petersen, Wanamingo, MN, and Norma Sylvester, of Dover, DL, plus many other family, close friends and neighbors.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Clara; brothers, Jens, Milford, Warren, and Leon Petersen; two sisters, Darlyn Petersen (infant) and Darlyn Engelson; one daughter, Robin Peterson; and great-granddaughter, Kinsley Erickson.

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