James Arthur Petring

James Arthur Petring was born in Nebraska City, NE to Alfred and Marian Petring on August 3, 1928.  He married Patricia Miles on October 21, 1950 who survives him.  Jim served in a US Army artillery unit and was in charge of the medical division for the brigade. He was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant and continued to serve in the reserves for an additional 5 years.  Jim received his Bachelors of Science degree from LSU and completed a masters degree in educational psychology at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.  He taught chemistry, physics and biology at York High School (NE) until he was recruited by Santa Ana High School (CA) and moved his family of five to California in 1961.  He continued to teach the sciences for eight years before moving into student counseling. He retired after 34 years with Santa Ana High School.

Jim loved his family and enjoyed camping with them during summer vacations.  He and Pat later purchased a motorhome in which they travelled around the US.  They also took many cruises and other foreign travels.  Jim was a leader in Boy Scouts and Sea Scouts while his sons were active.  He and Pat helped found Community Lutheran Church forty years ago and he served as treasurer for 16 years.  He also led church youth groups on hikes and camping trips.

Jim passed away on September 6, 2021 at the age of 93.  He leaves his wife of 71 years, Patricia, his younger brother, Jack, his sons Victor (Terri), Kenneth (Becky) and daughter, Carol Ann Waterman (Joseph), five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Celebration of Life services will be held Saturday May 28, 2022 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with internment in Wyuka Cemetery in Nebraska City, NE.

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