Obituary for Milo James Petersen Jr. (Jim)

Milo James Petersen Jr., known to all as Jim, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, at his home in Meridian, Idaho, due to health conditions related to old age. He was 83 years old. Jim was born on August 1, 1941, in Los Angeles, California, to Milo James Petersen and Gloria Newman Petersen. He was the second oldest of five children.

Jim's early years were filled with adventure and music. He spent his childhood in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Butte, Montana, before settling in Boise, Idaho, where his father worked as the manager of KGEM radio. Jim embraced the joys of youth, building forts, playing in ditches, and exploring with friends. His love of music blossomed during these years, and he learned to play the trumpet, piano, and ukulele, while singing in various choirs.

At the age of 14, Jim experienced the loss of his father, which led him to take on the responsibility of helping to provide for his family. He worked a variety of jobs, including mowing lawns, working as a busboy, ushering at the Ada Theater, assisting with construction, and clerking at a grocery store.

On August 14, 1963, Jim married Sandra Lucille Bybee in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and shared memories. They enjoyed camping, traveling, and raising their children in the nurturing environment they created together. Jim and Sandra's bond, formed from a shared childhood and strengthened over decades, carried them through many of life's challenges and triumphs.

Jim attended Boise High and was part of the first graduating class at Borah High School. He later earned a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. After graduation, Jim and Sandra briefly lived in Twin Falls, Idaho, before settling in Boise, where they eventually downsized to a home in Meridian.

In his professional life, Jim worked in sales, starting with UARCO Business Forms and later finishing his career at Alexander Clark Printing, where he earned a reputation as a top performer.

Jim was a lifelong, devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a missionary in the Western Canadian Mission, later becoming part of the newly formed Alaskan Canadian Mission. Over the years, he held several leadership positions within the Church, and his service extended to supporting his children in their own missions across the world.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Jim enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing. He passed on these passions, along with his skills, to his children. A talented handyman, Jim was always quick to lend a helping hand and enjoyed woodworking, creating items that enhanced his home or became treasured gifts for others.

Jim's greatest joy was his family. He was passionate about his love for his "sweetheart," Sandie, and for his children. He instilled in them a strong sense of responsibility, compassion, and the importance of doing what is right. Jim had a great sense of humor and loved teasing his loved ones, particularly during April Fools' Day pranks, where his children and even grandchildren often found themselves caught up in the fun.

Jim is survived by his sons, Bret (Sue), Jason (Monica), Aaron (Lisa), Nathan (Anjeanette), Daniel (Emily), and Donell (Katelyn); his "daughter" Jenny (Chance); 22 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra; his parents; a brother; and a sister.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at a later date. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love and support they have received during this difficult time.

Jim's legacy of love, laughter, and faith will live on through his children, grandchildren, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.