James J. Peters

James J. Peters of Freeport, IL died March 3, 2025 at Winn Prairie in Freeport, IL. He was born in Fond du Lac, WI on February 3, 1942. He was the son of Wilbert and Helen (Miller) Peters. Jim’s early life was spent on his father’s livestock farm. He graduated from Goodrich High in 1959. He then attended Wartburg College, later graduating from Platteville University. He met the love of his life, Joyce Franz and they were married in Omro, WI and were married over 60 years. In 1964 he moved to Freeport after accepting a job with Master Mix Feeds. His real love was farm construction, so he joined Patterson Lumber as a building salesman. On March 1, 1972 he joined Wick Buildings as a dealer. He then built his own sales office and warehouse and became Freeport Builders, Inc. Many Wick Buildings sales awards were earned through the years. In 2002 Jim was inducted into the Wick Buildings Hall of Fame. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Jim was an avid Packers fan. He enjoyed reading, camping, and boating. Vacation and winters were spent in Mexico and Florida. 

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; three daughters Kim (Angie Hofer) Brunner of Decatur, IL, Michelle (Marty) Fogg of Vancouver, WA, and Tiffany (Oscar) Gamble of Champaign, IL; and six grandchildren Jackson (Cortney) Brunner, Jordan Brunner, Trevor and Caden Binder, and Oli and Madi Gamble. He is also survived by one sister Kathleen Lewis of Richardson, TX and one sister-in-law Laurel Franz of Omro, WI. He also has one great-grandchild, Theo Brunner of Normal, IL.

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday March 8, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Freeport, Rev. Zachary Klatt officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Friday March 7 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. Entombment will be at Oakland Cemetery and Mausoleum. A memorial has been established in James’ memory.