James J. St. Peter Sr.

Jim was born on September 10, 1943 in Escanaba, son of Gerald P. and Laura (Davis) St. Peter. Jim was a 1962 graduate of Escanaba High School and a two-year graduate of Toivo Tech School at Northern Michigan University.

Jim served in the Navy from 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1966. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and First Good Conduct Medal for period of service ending September 27, 1966.

He was an activist and helped many people in his lifetime. Jim was a charter member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and was on commission to purchase the old A & P Store to become the St. Vincent Store on Ludington Street. Then did the same transition with the JC Penney Store in Gladstone. He and two other associates started the first Fatima Booth at the U.P. State Fair that is still in existence today.

In his earlier years, he was vice commander of the American Legion in Bark River.

Jim was a member of the Cursillo Community since 1975. He assisted in teaching CCD to junior and senior high students for many years in several parishes. He also had the title of Assistant Spiritual Person to Fr. Dishaw for the Knights of Columbus.

Jim was a member of St. Anne’s Church and served as an usher for several years which he continued, while he was bound to his wheel chair.

Jim’s artwork could be seen in many places. He loved cartoons and eagles, and donated to many charities. In 50 years, he never asked anyone for money for artwork, donated crafts, or any work he may have assisted in. He said it was all a gift to be shared. The Daily Press also featured an article on the many winter hats he crocheted for kids with cancer.

He was a 50-year union member of Iron Works Local 783 Marquette and Local 8 Milwaukee.

James loved hunting, fishing, sailing, and dancing with his wife, Sandra. They were also avid campers. He and Sandra owned St. Peter’s Canvas Shop and they serviced the sail boats, sails, and boom covers. They also serviced window air conditioners for local motels.

He is survived by his wife of 56 wonderful years, Sandra; his children, James Jr. (Sheri) St. Peter, Jason (Tamara) St. Peter, and Alycia (Isidoros) Mattes; several grandchildren and three great grandchildren; brothers, Chuck (Betsy) St. Peter and Jerry (JoAnne) St. Peter; sister, Margaret (Robert) Bichler; and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Laura (Davis) St. Peter; and in-laws, Archie and Alyce Papineau.

A special thank you goes out to The Wheeling Sportsmen who made it possible for Jim to hunt. Appreciation also goes to the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans for two years of care. Jim always was able to come home for holidays and special family events during that time.

The visitation will be held Friday, August 2 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Noon at St. Anne’s Church with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating. A luncheon will follow. Military honors and the committal service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the St. Peter family.