James Neal Pederson Sr., 70

James Neal Pederson Sr. (Pete) was born Feb. 13, 1946, to Earl and Marion Pederson in Chicago, Ill. He died April 26, 2016, in Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

James was raised in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and later moved to San Diego, Calif. He graduated from Helix High School in La Mesa after which he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served two tours in Vietnam. He was a proud veteran. After his return home, he met Florine Lopez, whom he married and together they raised six children together in Eureka, Calif.

He is survived by his six children, Maria, Rachel, Glenn, Suzanne, Jamie and James Jr. Along with 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Pete our father was an amazing person who touched the lives of many. We are left with many fond memories we all still talk about today; stories of camping, fishing, his ’57 Chevy, his wild stories big and small. He will be forever missed and loved.