James B Peters

James B. Peters, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at his home in Bountiful, Utah. He would have turned 90 in June.

Born on June 14, 1936, to William V. Peters and Ruth (Perry) Peters, Jim grew up in the family home at 273 W. 500 S. in Bountiful. There he developed a lifelong love of gardening and raising pigs to help support his family. He often shared fond memories of his childhood, walking through town and pointing out unpaved roads and former orchards, and he delighted in recounting humorous stories about the neighborhood boys who once teased him—including “Dickie” Van Uitert, who later became his cherished brother-in-law. He graduated from Davis High School in 1954, where he enjoyed singing in the choir and performing in musicals, and he was especially proud of the 1950s Chevy two-door he owned during those years.

In June 1956, Jim was called to serve as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Oslo, Norway mission. He cherished his time there, including the opportunity to serve as a translator for Elder Gordon B. Hinckley during a visit to Scandinavia. Even in his later years, he continued to read the Book of Mormon in Norwegian. After returning home in 1959, he served two years in the US Army, followed by service in the Utah National Guard until 1965, where he was trained in linguistics and interrogation and became a certified expert marksman with the M1 Carbine.

It was during this period that he met Helen Ann Van Uitert. They married on April 5, 1961, in the Salt Lake City Temple, and this year would have marked their 65th wedding anniversary. Jim worked for AT&T, Hercules, and Sperry before spending 28 years as a graphic designer for the University of Utah College of Business. After retiring in 1999, he and Helen served a CES mission teaching institute near Indiana University, then continued as CES missionaries at the University of Utah Institute for another 18 years. He also managed the LDS Stake Farm in Layton for nearly a decade, where he formed a lasting friendship with Boyd K. Packer.

Jim served faithfully in many Church callings, including elders quorum presidencies, bishoprics, bishop, stake presidency, and high council. He maintained a large garden throughout his life and, in recent years, was often seen riding his bicycle through the neighborhood with a basket of fresh vegetables to share with friends in the Third Ward. He is survived by his dear wife, Helen Peters (Van Uitert); their children and spouses, Mark and Penny Peters, Russell and Patricia Peters, Anthony and Kaylin Peters, Jared and Lisa Peters, and Karen Ann and Richard Belnap; 21 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, William Peters, Clyde Peters, Nancy Seljaas, and Robert Peters.

Jim will be remembered for his deep love of the Savior and the gospel of Jesus Christ, a devotion matched only by his love for his family. His life, legacy, and testimony will continue through all those he touched.