James "Ross" Petersen

James Ross Petersen, known simply as Ross to friends and family, passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on November 14, 1947, in Tukwila, Washington, he was the son of Harry Petersen and Mabel Howey and grew up alongside his younger sister, Nancy Petersen. He attended Foster High School and the University of Washington before proudly serving in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal and a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.

After his service, Ross met the love of his life, Cheryl Fedorko. Together they built a life that included Cheryl’s son, Richard Welch, whom Ross adopted and raised as his own. He ran a small business at Seattle’s Pike Place Market, crafting and selling handmade wooden toys, and those years remained among his fondest. In 2002, Ross moved to Whidbey Island, where he worked as a bus driver for Island County Transit. After Cheryl’s passing in 2006, he later married Nancy Russell, and they shared several happy years together until her passing in 2013.

A devoted fan of University of Washington football and the Seattle Seahawks, Ross found joy in volunteering with Good Cheer on Whidbey Island, sorting donated books to support the local food bank. He loved playing Magic: The Gathering and strategy games such as Civilization and Age of Empires, and cherished quiet moments on his property, gardening or watching deer graze on his lawn. A hippie at heart, he was known for his humor, stubborn streak, and deep loyalty to those he loved. His lifelong college friend Sol Varon, his friend Roscoe Nelson of Portland, and his close friend Steve Fedorko remained constants in his life until the end.

Ross is survived by his sister, Nancy Petersen, with whom he spoke nearly every day; his adopted son, Richard Welch, who always considered him his true father; his stepdaughter, Kyrie Russell, and her two children; and his daughter-in-law, Emily Ward, with whom he shared a close bond later in life. He also leaves behind his godsons Ari Varon and Leior Varon, his goddaughter Tobin Vaughan, and dear friends including Laura Daughenbaugh from his Pike Place Market days. Ross will be remembered for his independent spirit, his love of friends and family, his stubborn determination, and the stories he shared so freely. His presence, humor, and friendship will be deeply missed.