James William Peterson (Lebanon)'s Obituary
James William “Squirrel” Peterson was born February 8, 1965 in Ponca City, Oklahoma. James passed away on July 15, 2026, at his home, in Phillipsburg, MO. James attended schools in Marland and Ponca City, graduating PO-HI in 1983. James also attended Pioneer Vo-tech in diesel mechanics.
After graduating and living with his great grandma Cross for years, he met the one that would keep him out of trouble (kinda) and alive for the next thirty-four years. James and Tricia Nash were married on July 17, 1993. In 1994, they welcomed daughter Jamie Lynn. James picked the name because he said maybe his family would quit calling him Jamie, but it never happened.
James worked for Peterson Plumbing, Sober Brothers, City of Ponca City, J&J Trenching and back to Sober Brothers, where an injury in 2023 retired him. James was a talented equipment operator and could fix about anything. He enjoyed wood working and lately metal art. James also loved camping and old country music.
He was a member of the Jacyees when he was younger and a member of the Marland Round-up Club and the 101 Oldtimers Association.
James was diagnosed in 2018 with cancer which he fought and won. The cancer came back in 2024 and he fought it again for his granddaughter. He fought long enough to meet his grandson and spend time with both of them. November of 2025, James, Trish and Dixie moved to Phillipsburg, MO to spend more time with the grandkids.
James is survived by his wife Trish of the home; daughter Jamie Williams and her husband Bradley; grandchildren, Laurel Lee and Beau Clark Williams; mother, Rita Peterson; mother-in-law, Dixie Nash; sister, Sherry Feathers and husband Shane; brother, Brian Peterson; niece, Kailey Bransford and husband Tryistan, great nephew & nieces, Wyatt, Karson and Karter; aunt, Susan Jones; and numerous cousins.
He is preceded in death by his father David Peterson; father-in-law, Jerry Nash; uncle, Mike Peterson; his grandparents and many others.
There will be a Memorial Service at the Carl Renfro Center in Ponca City, OK on August 8th, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to Angels Among Us, 502 E 540th, Pittsburg, KS 66762.
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