James E. Petersen, 92, died peacefully at home on December 2, 2016, with his loving family by his side. Jim was born April 3, 1924, in Salisbury village, the son of James Emil Petersen and Emma Denisia Mayhew. He graduated from Brandon High School in 1941. Following employment in defense plants in Springfield, VT, he joined the U.S. Navy in February, 1943, and attended machinist school in Detroit, Michigan. Afterward he was assigned to the U. S. S. Megrez, AK 126, and served in the South Pacific. His ship followed up many of the major island invasions, and at wars end put in at Japan, China, and Korea. In 1946, he enrolled at the University of Vermont, and was graduated three years later with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was employed as a journalist during the next three decades, in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Among other positions, in Connecticut he served as city editor of the Bristol Press, managing editor of the Meriden Journal, and associate editor of the Meriden Record-Journal. He returned to his beloved Vermont in 1978, and restored houses, and authored a number of popular local history books, including "Otter Creek: The Indian Road" and "Lord Dunmores Lake." He is survived by his children, Eric Petersen, Mark Petersen, and Elizabeth Petersen, his wife, Joyce Petersen, his grandchildren, Sam Stephenson, Brianna Petersen, James Petersen, and Grace Petersen, his daughters-in-law, Jennifer Brennan and Tamara Petersen, his sister, Helen Aulis, and a number of nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son, James B. Petersen, and his siblings, Max Petersen and Jacqueline English. He was loved by many, and his life was enriched by various family members and friends. In his later years, he received incredible support from Addison County Home Health (including his special friend, Gina Stiles). Thanks to all for your kindness and love. A memorial service will be held at Holman Cemetery in Salisbury, VT on Tuesday Dec. 13th at 1 p.m. SERVICES Memorial Service Tuesday, December 13, 2016 1:00 PM Holman Cemetery Salisbury, VT