Grafton – Jim Peterson, 20, passed unexpectedly Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 from medical complications due to a recent illness. Jim was a happy, healthy, energetic young man, working hard on his dreams toward a very bright future.
Jim is survived by his parents, Dan and Christine (Jensen) Peterson; his brother, Bill Peterson; his maternal grandparents, Carol and Bernhard Jensen; his paternal grandmother, Madlyn Peterson; and several aunts, uncles and cousins, Brian, Shelby, Zachary, Nicholas, and many friends from Grafton, St. John's High School and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Jim was born February 3, 1992 in Natick and had lived all his life in Grafton and Millbury. He attended primary schools in Grafton, was a 2010 graduate of St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, and was a Junior at UMass Amherst, studying Computer Science. Jim was also working as a computer-programming intern at Monotype Imaging in Woburn. Programming was his passion.
Jim had great love for his family, his many wonderful friends, and his dog, “Pretzel,” all of whom loved Jim very much.
He was an avid student of philosophy and politics, and passionate about research and debate. Jim's skill as Captain of the St. John's Debate Team was legendary. He was well known for his humor, kindness and compassion – always eager and available to help anyone who was in need including family, friends, and other students.
The family suggests honoring Jim with donations to the St. John's High School (Debate Team Fund), c/o St. John's High School, 378 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Jim Friday, Oct. 12, at 12:30 p.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545. He will then be laid to rest in St. Philip's Catholic Cemetery in Grafton. Calling hours are also Friday, Oct. 12, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton, prior to the funeral Mass.
