Jim was born on January 12, 1948, in Greenville,Texas to Joe Becton Peters and Teddie Rose Hopkins Peters. He grew up with two charismatic brothers, Newman and Ted ''T Boy.'' Jim graduated from Greenville High School in 1966, and went on to earn a B.A. in Finance and Economics from East Texas State University in 1970, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. It was there that he met and then married Terry Lynn Minto of Grand Prairie, Texas on September 6, 1969. Jim loved and adored Terry every day of his life and appreciated her standing by his side day in and day out through all life's ups and downs. Terry was always a cheerleader and selfless caregiver throughout the challenges his disease presented him.
Jim was the ultimate girl dad to Amanda (Matt) Chance of Heath, Texas, and Hillary (Bryan) Conway of Cherry Hills Village, Colorado. Gaining two incredible sons-in-law was one of the highlights of his life. Pops and YaYa loved traveling with their girls, sons-in-law, and fabulous four grandchildren: Emerson O'Brien, Becton Hart, Alice Rose, and James Peters. Pops's four grandchildren always brought a twinkle to his eye. He was so proud of his family and all that they shared together.
Jim's lifelong career of the ''art of the deal'' began with Mass Mutual Insurance Company in Dallas where he met John Turner. After petitioning the State of Texas to allow branches of savings and loans, he opened and managed First Modern Savings and Loan in Rockwall, Texas in 1972. It was there that he met and formed a partnership with Haywood Eason, with whom he developed several subdivisions in Rockwall and Heath. In 1980, he and Terry moved their family back to Greenville, where he worked alongside his Dad as Vice President of First Modern Savings and Loan in Greenville. Finally, he founded AmHill Financial and Mortgage Marketing Corporation, leading him back to Heath,Texas in 1997, where Jim and Terry came full circle by residing next door to Haywood and Fran Eason. He continued those two businesses until his death. With a career extending fifty years, Jim was an innovator in finance and real estate throughout his life.
Jim had a lifelong passion for vintage cars, Boxer dogs, boats, and the ocean; he especially loved cruising the islands of the British and U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean with his family. His dedication extended beyond his family to his community, where he was proud to be a respected member of the Hillcrest Masonic Lodge #1318 in Dallas, the Dallas Scottish Rite, and the Hella Shrine Dallas for over fifty years. Jim was also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Rockwall, Kavanaugh Methodist of Greenville, and Holy Trinity by the Lake in Heath.
Even after being diagnosed at the age of forty with Parkinson's Disease, Jim continued to persevere. He was always a ''yes man'' to any adventure despite the obstacles that this debilitating, progressive disease brought. He was known for his witty comebacks and memorable laugh. Jim has made an impact on and will be missed by all who knew him, but we know his legacy of living life to the fullest even when faced with challenges will live on. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude and love to Pauline Kinyanjui, his devoted and compassionate caregiver of two-and-a-half years, as well as his forever friend. We would also like to thank Hector Montenegro, Jim's attentive athletic trainer of 18 years, for not only keeping him active, but also keeping him engaged in conversations about sports and the latest hot spots around town.
In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Jim is survived by his brother Joe Newman Peters, sisters-in-law Betty Minto King and Jackie (Carl) Kincaid Warner, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his brother Ted H. Peters, sister-in-law Fonda Carter Peters, brother-in-law Kenneth William King, and sister-in-law Charla J. Peters.
Pallbearers will be Matt Chance, Bryan Conway, James Conway, Newman Peters, Alex King, Joe E. Peters, Kenneth Peters, Andrew Peters, and John Turner. And his lifelong friend Mike Mehmert will serve as a Heavenly Pallbearer.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that any charitable donations be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or Scottish Rite for Children.
https://give.michaeljfox.org/give
https://scottishriteforchildren.org
Condolences(9)
Lee Ann Baker
Greenville, TX Saturday, August 17, 2024 Terry,We are so sorry to hear of your loss, but rejoicing that your beloved is with Jesus and fully healed. May God's peace sustain you.
Lee Ann Baker
Jeffrey Baker - Phoenix School alum
Lee Ann Baker
Greenville, TX Saturday, August 17, 2024 Terry,We are so sorry to hear of your loss, but rejoicing that your beloved is with Jesus and fully healed. May God's peace sustain you.
Lee Ann Baker
Jeffrey Baker - Phoenix School alum
Mary Ann Bennett White
Carrollton, TX Thursday, August 15, 2024 Terry, my Big Sis, I am so very sorry to hear Jim passed away. He was such a great guy and had such an awesome life. I’ll always cherish the good times we had at ETSU and our double dates Mike Sweeny and I had with you and Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I’ll be out-of-town September 7th and won’t be able to attend Jim’s service. My heart and spirit will be with you. Rest in peace, Crow.Mary Ann Bennett White
Carrollton, TX Thursday, August 15, 2024 Terry, my Big Sis, I am so very sorry to hear Jim passed away. He had such an amazing life! I’ll always cherish the good times we had at ETSU and double dates Mike Sweeny and I had with you and Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I’ll be out-of-town September 7th and won’t be able to attend Jim’s service. I’ll be with you all in spirit and heart. Rest in peace, Crow.Teresa Twedell
Heath, TX Thursday, August 15, 2024 Terry,I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you!
Susie and Ben Munson
Denison, TX Thursday, August 15, 2024 Terry and family, we have many great memories of family outings on Texoma. In our prayers. Susie and BenJames Starling
Willis, TX Thursday, August 15, 2024 Prayers and condolences for all his family and friends. RIP to my childhood friend.Renee (Massay) Duncan
Longview, TX Thursday, August 15, 2024 Prayers for the loss of Jim to the entire family. He was my dad's cousin. I'm sure they are sharing child hood stories with the rest of their family now..Jerry Axton
Buckeye, AZ Thursday, August 15, 2024 RIP my classmate and carpool buddy from 1st thru 7th grade. from Preschool through High School. Fond memories over the years. Our parents shared many adventures growing up. Condolences to the family.Jerry Axton