Hyde Park, NY James Donald Peterson (Jim), age 88, of Hyde Park, previously of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at The Eleanor Nursing Care Center at Hyde Park. Born on September 7, 1932, in the Bronx, he was the son of the late James Edward and Margaret Ryan Peterson. Jim graduated from Monroe High School, Class of 1949. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy on the USS Borie DD-704 from 1951-1955, Radioman 2nd Class. He was a long-time member of the Tin Can Sailors organization. Jim built a 30-year career with AT&T that relocated him to the San Francisco area of California. Jim left AT&T and after holding a variety of other positions, he relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada. While in Nevada, Jim expanded his resume by working for a Rock and Roll radio station (KKLZ), a commercial airline (Key Airlines) and then settled into his final 20+ year career working for Wal-Mart in the sporting goods department. Only within that last 6 years did Jim make the tough decision to retire! Who was Jim Peterson? He was a Navy man and proudly served on the USS Borie during the Korean War. In 2016, he experienced the Hudson Valley Honor Flight to Washington, DC. He was a proud Republican. He was a lefty – and proud of it! He was a dog lover - in fact he had at least 8 over the course of his adult lifetime and he doted on every one of them! He loved his cars... especially the unique ones. He had a few PT Cruisers and he even had a Pacer back in the good ole days! He loved to read anything written by James Patterson and he collected cookbooks. He also loved a good crossword puzzle. He was always on time if not 15-30 minutes early! He had impeccable and beautiful handwriting and was hired by a few companies because of it. He was fiercely independent and never liked to impose on anyone. He was the king of little-known facts! He knew a little bit about everything and loved to talk about it. He was fascinated with history and studies of our family ancestry. He was a good man, patient, kind and stubborn as all get out, but a good man, nonetheless. He will be missed. Jim is survived by: Former wife and mother of his children Kathleen Peterson of Fishkill, NY, Sons Kevin J. Peterson, (wife Anita) of Depew, NY and Steven Peterson (wife Alicia) of Glenmont, NY; Daughters Marianne Peterson-Anderson of Hopewell Junction, NY and Jeanne Fedun (husband Stephen) of Seymour, CT; Sister Dottie Verch (husband Larry) of Westerlo, NY; Grandchildren Caitlin Porter (husband Kris);, Josh Peterson (fiancé Antigona); Haley Peterson, Christian Peterson; Stacey Peterson, Tucker Anderson, Griffin Anderson; Shayna Anderson; Great Grandchild Charlotte Porter. Jim was predeceased in 1996 by his second wife, Marian Miller and in 2015 by his soulmate, Helene Lowden formerly of White Plains, NY. A Mass will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 10 am at Regina Coeli Catholic Church, Rte. 9, Hyde Park. Following the Mass, Military Honors will be conducted outside the church. Family and friends are welcome to join a celebration of Jim's life at his daughter Marianne's home in Hopewell Junction beginning at 1:00 PM. Please email mariannepand@gmail.com for the address. According to his wishes, Jim was cremated at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Interment will be made at Gerald B. Solomon National Cemetery, Saratoga, NY at a date to be determined.James's family respectfully requests memorial donations to Tin Can Sailors or the Dutchess County SPCA. Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet's Funeral Home, Inc., Rte. 9, Hyde Park.To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com .