James L. Petersen, 34, of Grand Island, died Friday, December 21, 2012. Memorial services will be Friday, December 28, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Michael Conner will officiate. To honor Mr. Petersens wishes cremation has occurred. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. James was born January 20, 1978, at Grand Island, Nebraska. He was the son of Kern J. and Marsha J. (Peterson) Petersen. Survivors of his immediate family include his wife, Kelly Petersen of Grand Island, NE Three step children, Matthew Machado, Delilah and Robert Walterscheid, and Rachel Machado Parents, Kern and Marsha Petersen of Corona, CA One sister and brother-in-law, Lindsey and Dan Gallaway of Hastings, NE Others left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren, Eric and Ryan Walterscheid, aunts and uncles, Linda Petersen of Kearney, NE, Andrea &Greg Fowler of Hordville, NE, Steven and Devona Marshall of Grand Island, NE Nieces and nephews, Phoebe Manandik, Katelyn Gallaway, Nathan Gallaway, Dan Gallaway, cousins, Shari L. Schnuelle, Robert Schnuelle. James grew up in Grand Island, graduating from Grand Island Sr. High School in 1996. After graduation he worked for Bonneville Homes in Aurora, NE as a production worker. He worked for Chief Powder Coat for several years and later was employed at Coinstar Vending before becoming disabled. He married Kelly Jones on October 10, 2009 at Grand Island, NE, where they lived. James loved playing with his nieces and nephews, especially playing Mr. Potato Head with Bubba. He repaired computers, enjoyed playing computer games, was an excellent cook, great at smoking meat. He enjoyed the company of his best friends, his boxers, Zoey and Sopi. He volunteered at the Crisis Center helping with repairs and was their go to, fix-it man. He will be missed by his family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Carolmae and Jim Petersen and a cousin Jeff Smith. Memorials are suggested to the familys choice. On-line condolences may be given and his video tribute view at www.curranfuneralchapel.com.