James B Peters

We are sad to announce the passing of James B Peters, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He died Friday, March 13, 2026, in his home in Bountiful, Utah. He would have been 90 years old in June.

James is survived by his dear wife Helen Peters (Van Uitert), their children and their spouses; Mark & Penny Peters, Russell & Patricia Peters, Anthony & Kaylin Peters, Jared & Lisa Peters, and Karen Ann & Richard Belnap, as well as 21 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Born on June 14, 1936, to William V. Peters and Ruth (Perry) Peters. He has been preceded in death by his parents and his siblings; William Peters, Clyde Peters, Nancy Seljaas, and Robert Peters. Jim grew up in his family home at 273 W. 500 S. in Bountiful, Utah. There he learned to love gardening and raising his pigs to help support the family.

Jim loved his growing up years and would often walk around town with his family and point out what roads weren’t paved when he was kid and what parts of Bountiful City used to be nothing but orchards. He would also make jokes about the mean kids that picked on him as a boy, one of whom was ‘Dickie’ Van Uitert - who would later become his much loved, brother-in-law.

Jim graduated from Davis High School in 1954. While attending High School he enjoyed performing with the choir and participating in the school musicals. He was also very proud of his 1950s Chevy 2 door that he always regretted selling.

In June 1956, Jim was called to serve as full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Oslo, Norway mission by President David O. McKay. He loved serving in Norway and got the opportunity to be a translator for Elder Gordon B. Hinckley when he visited Scandinavia. Even in his older years, Jim would frequently read the Book of Mormon in Norwegian. He cherished his time there and deeply loved missionary work.

After returning home in 1959, he joined the US Army. After completing his 2-year service, he joined the Utah National Guard and served until 1965. He was trained in linguistics and interrogation and was certified as an expert marksman with the M1Carbine.

It was during this time that he met and fell in love with Helen Van Uitert. They were both attending an institute function at the University of Utah with other dates, and Jim gave the group (including Helen) a ride home and their relationship grew from there.

On April 5, 1961, Jim married his eternal companion, Helen Ann Van Uitert, in the Salt Lake City Temple. This year marks their 65th anniversary of their marriage.

Jim worked for AT&T, Hercules and Sperry, but spent most of his career (28 years) as a graphic designer for the University of Utah College of Business.

After retirement in 1999, he served a CES Mission with his wife Helen teaching institute adjacent to Indiana University. When they returned home, the University of Utah Institute called them as CES Missionaries where they continued to serve for the next 18 years.

Jim loved farming and was called to serve as a manager for the LDS Stake Farm in Layton, UT where he met and made good friends with Boyd K. Packer, who was responsible for the church farms. Jim stayed on as the farm manager for nearly 10 years.

Jim served in many church callings including: elders quorums, bishoprics, bishop, stake presidency, high council, and other callings, but was always disappointed he never got to be a Scout Master!

He kept a large garden at his home his whole life. In recent years, he was often seen riding around town on his bicycle with a basket full of fresh vegetables that he delivered to friends all over the 3rd ward.

Jim will be missed by many whose lives he touched. He will always be remembered for his love of his Savior and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ equaled only by his love for his family. His life, legacy, and testimony will continue to live on in all of us. We love you Dad!

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the Bountiful Tabernacle, 55 South Main Street, Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah, and Friday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment- Bountiful City Cemetery.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary and Crematory YouTube Channel and on this obituary page. See YouTube video below.