9/18/1951 – 9/4/2023
Quincy, Illinois
James Edward Peters, JD joined his parents Kathleen and Richard along with sister Judy and other family members in eternal life on September 4th after a brief battle with cancer. Jim was born on September 18, 1951 in Quincy, Illinois. His most recent residence was in Lawrence, Kansas with his cherished partner of 43 years and husband of 13 years, Gary Mohrman.
Jim retired in 2019 as the director of the University of Kansas Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a position he held for nearly 8 years. As Director Emeritus, he continued to teach a course on Arlington Cemetery, as well as courses on Harry Truman, Presidential Assassins, John Brown, The Underground Railroad in Kansas, The Story of Eleanor Roosevelt, and several more. It was in 2005 that Jim joined KU as director of marketing for KU Continuing Education.
Prior to joining KU he spent two decades in marketing and publishing. It was while living in Washington D.C. that he became intrigued with Arlington National Cemetery. Upon inquiring more about this national monument, he discovered that at that time, there was no formal publication about its history or those interred there. This inspired him to write and publish the preeminent book “Arlington National Cemetery; Shrine to America’s Heroes”, now in its 4th edition.
Jim received a bachelor’s degree in government from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a law degree from the New England School of Law in Boston. He practiced law for several years in his hometown of Quincy, Illinois before moving to our nation’s capitol.
Always wishing to give back to his community, he was on the board of directors for Douglas County Kansas Historical Society and was the past president of the Lawrence Central Rotary Club.
Biking, hiking, golfing, cooking, and a lifelong love for his dogs were among Jim’s interests. He was also a master gardener.
His love of learning and his passion for life inspired many. His contagious laugh and incredible sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Jim is survived by his husband Gary Mohrman, siblings Susan Peters, Dan (Brenda) Peters, Nick (Doris) Peters, Mike (Dorothy) Peters, Thomas “Toby” Peters (Mary Kay Ellis), and Theresa (John) Unterfenger. He is further survived by his sister-in-law Carol Manassah and her husband Elias, as well as scores of adoring nephews and nieces, other relatives, and friends.
Duker and Haugh Funeral Services in Quincy, Illinois will be hosting a visitation on Monday, September 18th from 4pm to 6pm with a service commencing following the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Douglas County Visiting Nurses at kansasvna.org and the Quincy Humane Society.
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