James Pedersen was born in Idaho October 18, 1938 and entered into his eternal rest May 13, 2013 at the age of 74. After graduation, he worked for a summer as a fire fighter and then moved to Southern California.  While living at a boarding house in southern California managed by Jan's mother, Jim met and married Janet Miller.  They were very young when they married.  Jim was 19 years old and Jan was only 16.   The couple was married for almost 46 years when Jan passed away in 2004. They were blessed with two children, a daughter, Stephanie Petrick who was born in Arizona and a son, Jim, who was born in Japan, one grandson, Mark, and a great-granddaughter, Simone.
Directly after marrying Jan, he joined the United States Navy.  Jim made the Navy his career, retiring after 30+ years.  He was trained in communications and stayed in that field during his entire career in the Navy.  He was responsible for intercepting and deciphering communications from other countries, and as a result was never able to discuss his work with the family, or anyone else. Jim was very successful in his Navy career, and during his last two years was given responsibility for the Intelligence Command in Guam.
Upon retiring from the Navy, Jim moved to their home in Chula Vista where he worked for Montgomery Ward's, Digital Machines, and also sold real estate. Jim was a dedicated husband and father.  Jan suffered from Crohns Disease, and was ill for much of her life, but Jim was there to care for her. However, he also found time to boat and fish as well as enjoy working on automobiles.
During Jim's last years he suffered from Alzheimer's. His son Jim was able to spend a couple of years with him early on, but his last 3+ years were spent at the Silverado Senior Center where they specialized in the care of Alzheimer's patients.
Jim was an intelligent, dedicated man who had a deep love for his family. While he wasn't able to show his emotions very well (probably a result of his career path in the Navy), in later years that changed for him.
Jim grew up in a family that was Nazarene. As an adult he didn't attend a particular church, but did hold to a belief in God. As we remember and celebrate his life, let us now turn to God for comfort and encouragement.

Our hearts go out for your loss!  I shared elsewhere that he had his father's eyes--ones that smiled even when he was trying to be serious! He & Aunt Jan opened up their home to me both right after Navy boot camp many years ago and then several years later as I served in the Reserves.  We'll miss Uncle Jim!

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James Pedersen

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OBITUARY

Mr. James Nelson Pedersen

October 18, 1938 – May 13, 2013

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

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