James Peckham

James Maytum Peckham, 84, of Moorhead, MN, passed away June 21, 2023, at River Pointe in Moorhead.

Jim was born December 13, 1938, in Mitchell, SD to Donald and Crystel (Maytum) Peckham.  He graduated from high school in Streeter, ND and attended UND for engineering.  He worked for IBM and retired there after 35 years of dedicated employment.  After retirement, he worked for Dak Tech in Fargo. 

Jim married Hilda Schumaker and they had 3 children together.  Hilda passed away in 1990.  In 1996, Jim married Joan Nelson and they made their home in Moorhead. 

Jim was a master of many trades and could fix just about anything.  He enjoyed woodworking and making creations on the lathe, from beautiful bowls to pen and pencil sets.  If a tool he needed didn’t exist, he would make his own.  He once made his own garage door opener and re-sided the house by himself from watching YouTube videos.  Always a doting father and grandfather, he never missed a volleyball game or track meet.  He also loved to travel the country and instilled this love in his children.  In his spare time he could be found golfing, tinkering or lending a helping hand.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Joan Nelson; his children, Scott (Angela) Peckham, Dr. Steven Peckham, and Beth Peckham; Joan’s children, Brian (Kim) Nelson, Suzanne (Jim) O’Dell, and Jared (Nikki) Nelson; his sister, Nancy Peckham; grandchildren, Alec S.  Peckham and Cameo R. Peckham; Joan’s grandchildren, Blake Nelson, Jessica Hall, Toni Rheault, Breanna Nelson, Colby Nelson, Olivia Nelson and Jayden Nelson.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Hilda; his sister, Janet Billings and his brother, Donald Peckham Jr. 

The family will host a  Celebration of Life Wednesday, June 28, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M., at River Pointe,  2401 11^th St. S., Moorhead, MN.