James Alan Petersdorf, 78, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.  The family will have a celebration of life at a later date.

James was born on November 24, 1943 to Dean and Marsha (Will) Petersdorf in California.  James attended school and graduated in California.  He then joined the Merchant Marines before volunteering to serve his country in the Air Force.

James met Charlotte Zugschert while she was working for the USO, singing and dancing.  The two fell in love and were married in 1963.

After the Air Force the coupled moved to Washington where James was employed at Bethlehem Steel until retirement.  After he retired, they moved to South Dakota.

James enjoyed hunting, fishing and tinkering with anything mechanical.  He was considered extremely intelligent.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, children, Lorrie Hughes, Cherry Moedde, Robin Wirth, David Petersdorf and Pamela (Antonio) Carvajal, many many grandchild and great grandchildren, Brother John Petersdorf and sister Dorrine Busta.

He was preceded in death by his parents.