James Christian Petersen

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Petersen, James Christian March 07, 1932 - August 19, 2021 Of Prior Lake, MN. James Christian Petersen was born March 7th, 1932 in Minneapolis, and grew up on a dairy farm in Edina. In 1951, he began farming in Bloomington, shortly after marrying the love of his life, Nancy Brass, in October of 1950. In 1955, Jim and his family took on a new hobby, from the land to the water, and learned how to water ski. Planting a seed that blossomed, his passion for water skiing had changed the course of their lives. A year later, they bought a cabin on the lake and became a founding member of the Prior Lake Water Skiing Association. Living on the lake, he became aware of the need for water safety. Using his own boat, he then initiated the Scott County Water Patrol. In the winter, Jim took from the water to the snow. He first began with the National Ski Patrol in Moon Valley in 1955, later becoming Section Chief for Minnesota- Wisconsin to train and certify ski patrol personnel. He also served at Burnsville's Buck Hill for nearly three decades. Locally, Jim was known for being the first on the lake, skiing on half frozen water- truly breaking the ice. Jim overcame his reluctance to speak in public through Dale Carnegie Training, perfecting his public speaking for water ski events and the city council. And throughout the years, he was appointed as announcer and judge for numerous water ski tournaments, both regional and national. As a businessman, Jim opened Hydro Sports in Bloomington in 1968, and relocated the business in 1970 to Prior Lake. Six years later, Jim opened the Midwestern Water Ski Center in Bloomington. It quickly became the largest ski accessory and boat supplier in the Midwest, and for nearly 40 years he served as a promotional team member of Mastercraft Boats. In 1989, Jim and his son, Kim, opened Mastercraft Electronics- focusing on commercial low-voltage items and repairs. He also served the Prior Lake community for numerous years as City Councilman. Additionally, Jim was a member of the city's Rotary Club, and continued sharing his knowledge of water skiing, teaching lessons to adolescents. Jim is survived by his brother Don Petersen, children; Kim (Debbie) Petersen, Wendy Lee, Dale (Robin) Petersen, Karen (Robert) Bosman, Kris (Dale) Gross; 25 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Petersen, and parents Viggo and Svea Petersen. Interment Dawn Valley Memorial Park. Visitation 4 to 8 PM Tuesday, August 24. Funeral Service 11 AM Wednesday, August 25 with visitation 1 hour prior to the service all at: Washburn-McReavy.com Dawn Valley Chapel 952-941-7686 9940 Bush Lake Rd Bloomington, MN

Published on August 22, 2021