Obituary of James I. Peters

Dr. James I. Peters Jr. of Duxbury, retired physician, died on December 28 at his home at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife Jean Hudson Peters, and his sisters Mrs. Brooksie Lowenthal of FL, and Mrs. Minerva Henderson of TN. He leaves his 3 daughters, Ann Peters of NY, Susan Peters of NH, and Jennifer Peters M.D. of VT and Duxbury MA, 3 sons in-law, Polo Ramirez, Steven Levene M.D. and Michael Kamphuis, six grandchildren, Cedar Peters, Rachel Richter, Abigail Levene, Molly Levene, Colin Kamphius, and Sarah Kamphius, and many nieces and nephews. Born in Alexandria LA on March 3, 1926, Dr. Peters was the only son of James I. Peters M.D. and Brooksie Wilbourn Peters R.N. Upon graduation from Holly Springs High School (MS) in 1944, he entered the army and was training to be an air force navigator when the war ended. In 1949 he graduated Princeton University where he rowed on the lightweight crew and was a member of the Quadrangle Club. He graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1953, and was an intern and resident at the Mary Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover, NH. He worked as a medical director for the New England Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Boston before resuming medical practice as an Emergency Department physician at the Jordan Hospital in Plymouth MA, and then in general medical practice in Duxbury. Dr. Peters had a wide-range of interests, and established himself as an artist through his talent for painting, sculpting, and furniture making. He previously served as a President of the Duxbury Art Assoc. He also volunteered his medical expertise for over thirty years with the King Caesar Advisory Committee and Fund, which provides payment for medical care for Duxbury residents in need. After spending his childhood in the south, he discovered a passion for skiing as an adult and had thrilling memories of family vacations with friends and of skiing Tuckerman’s Ravine. He was also an avid sailor who enjoyed coastal New England cruising and participating in the Newport to Bermuda yacht race. He was a member of the Duxbury Yacht Club and Project Gurnet & Bug Lights. He also enjoyed gardening and served as the Secretary and ‘artistic rat’ of the Wharf Rats of Duxbury. In his later years, he derived tremendous pleasure from spending time with his grandchildren. A memorial service will be held in the spring at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Duxbury. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Jordan Hospital.