Peterson, James Roy, 67, of Riverview Florida, formerly of Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Peacefully passed away April 8, 2011. He was preceded in death by his father Roy O. Peterson, brother-in-law Earl Bergner and step- father Elmer Sederstrom.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie (nee Christensen), son, Thomas (Amy) Peterson Aurora IL, daughter Brooke L (Matthew) Hamilton Riverview FL, four grandsons Alexander & Kaine Peterson, Augustus & Raleigh Hamilton. beloved Mother Miriam Sederstrom. Brothers: Jerry (Mary) Peterson, John (Missy) Peterson, Sisters: Judy Bergner, Joette(Bruce) Renier, Jayne(Dave) Vanderlin, step -brother Dean(Chick) Sederstrom, father & mother-in law Dick & Dar Christensen, brothers -in-law Dick Christensen, Tom(Jan) Christensen, Harry (Lynn) Christensen. Many nieces and nephews. Jim was a devoted husband, proud and loving father, Jim's love of his family was a joy to experience. He had tremendous pride in each and everyone of his family.

His thoughtfulness and caring will be missed by his entire family.

Jim grew up in Gillett, Wisconsin and graduated from Gillett High School in 1961.

He was a true union man, he lived it ,breathed it, and fought for it his entire life.

He started in the Teamster movement in an organizing drive at Ansorge Distributing in 1961, then went to work at Gateway Transportation in Green Bay in 1962. Shortly after he enlisted in the US Navy and spent 4 years from 1963-1967.

He became a business agent for Teamster Local 75 in 1972, was appointed to Local 75 Executive Board in 1977 and elected principal officer in 1981. Jim was appointed to the Wisconsin Teamsters Joint Council 39 Executive Board in 1984, and was appointed and then elected as President of Joint Council 39 until he retired in 1996. He also served as principal officer of Teamsters Local 563 in 1991 until retirement. In 1984 Jim was appointed to the Police and Fire Commissioner for the City of Green Bay. He was enormously involved in the Greater Green Bay Labor Management Council.

Along with his love and devotion to his family he was an AVID NASCAR fan. His favorite part of the week was discussing and picking who would win each race with his brothers and friends. He had the joy of seeing the "Packers" win three Super Bowls. He loved everything Wisconsin: Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Badgers. But in truth he loved to watch all sports he just rooted for and expected all teams from Wisconsin to win. He loved to entertain and cook great meals for family and friends. Being tagged lovingly with the name "Soup Nazi" by his family, he also earned the name of PICKLES because he loved pickles, but somehow he just was Pickles to anyone who loved him.

Hearing his four grandsons call out for Grampa Pickles always made him smile. And that smile and laugh will be very much missed.

A gathering will be held Tuesday, April 12, 2011 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home, Riverview, Florida with memorial services beginning at 6 pm at the funeral home.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church, Green Bay, Wisconsin Saturday April 16 at 11am.

Military honors will be offered at 10:00 am May 12, 2011 at Sarasota National Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers a memorial fund in Jim's name for the Ronald McDonald house will be established.