James "Jim" Edward Petersen

James “Jim” E. Petersen, 82, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024.  He was born on September 27, 1941 in Libertyville to the late Fred and Evora Petersen.  He grew up in McHenry, graduating from McHenry High School.  He continued his education at Bradley University, completing his B.S. in Electrical Technology in 1965.  His career as an Industrial Arts teacher spanned 37 years, with 36 years in Community Unit School District 300 high schools.  He received his M.S. in Ed. in Industry and Technology from Northern Illinois University in 1974.  Jim was especially proud of his years directing the state drafting competitions and serving in leadership in the state drafting organization (IDEA).

While teaching at Irving Crown HS, Jim met Marlene Reimer, an English teacher.  They were married on August 11, 1973.  A year later their son Jon was born and their daughter Jamie followed in 1979.  When their children were students at St. Thomas School, Jim volunteered to coach basketball and track.  He also assisted Jon’s Boy Scout Troop 347 at campouts.  

 Family camping continued for many summers throughout the US and Canada to historic sites, like the sports halls of fame, the state and national capitals, many national parks.  An especially memorable family trip happened during Christmas break in 1998, when Jim, Marlene and Jon joined Jamie in Paris during her year of study there. 

In 2001 Jim retired from Dundee-Crown High School. That fall began an era of travel to many countries of Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America.  Those years provided Jim with time to enjoy his hobby of photography.  He participated in the Crystal Lake Camera Club competitions and meetings.  

Retirement also gave Jim time for breakfasts with workout friends from MCC, lunches with classmates from McHenry HS and with the ROMEOs of Dundee-Crown HS.  

Jim is survived by his wife Marlene, his children Jon and Jamie, his brother Vern (Darlene), sister-in-law Maxine, nieces Christine (John), Rita, Cathy (Tyler) and nephew Will (Michelle), grandnieces Melissa and Elizabeth and grandnephew Nathanial, and his cats: Garfield, Paris, Siena, Glacier, Juneau and Denali.  Jim was preceded in death by brothers-and sisters-in-law John (Juanita) and Bill (Lynn) and his niece Debbie

A visitation to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Thursday, June 13, from 4-7:00, at Davenport Funeral Home in Crystal Lake.  Memorial donations may be made to Helping Paws in Woodstock https://helpingpaws.net/.