Jim Peterson, co-founder of the original San Diego Off-Road Coalition and a lifetime member of the California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA) died Friday, July 7 at his home in Poway. He was 62.

He died of a massive heart attack, according to his wife Linda.

Jim, along with Lynn Brown, started the San Diego Off Road Coalition. He was also a lifetime member of CORVA, an endowed member of the National Rifle Association, a 20-plus year member of Los Pretots Desert Club and served on Duncan Hunter's Off-Road Advisory Team.

Jim was born in Mattoon, Illinois, in October of 1937. His parents were George and Zella Peterson. He married his wife, Linda Stietes, in December of 1957. They were married 42 years and have two children and four grandchildren.

Jim joined the Navy and moved to Long Beach in 1968 and then on to San Diego in 1974. They liked California so much they stayed. Jim loved the desert, had Baja Bugs, Jeeps and rails. They have been camping at Ocotillo Wells since 1984.

He was a diesel enginemen for the Navy and worked aboard ships for the first 20 years of service. After that he worked on shore and was the "diesel engine guru" of the Navy on the West Coast. He wrote lesson plans, preventative maintenence programs and worked closely with such manufacturers as Detroit Diesel in maintaining the Navy's fleet. He was an E9 Master Chief upon retirement. It is ironic that Jim went up against the Navy, his former employer, when he first formed the San Diego Off-Road Coalition. He found a public notice in an obscure publication that the Navy wanted to close down Superstition Mountains. So he and Lynn Brown went to bat against the Navy and eventually won that battle, keeping Superstition Mountain open to off-roaders.

For that effort, Jim and Lynn received Co-Off-Roaders of the Year by CORVA in 1984. He was awarded the Los Pretots Desert Club Man of the year in 1983. Other recognitions include: thanks and appreciation from CORVA for serving as Assistant Regional Director in 1984, 1985, and 1986; participating in the North/South CORVA Jamboree in 1987; the CORVA Southern Regional Director in 1989; and San Diego Land Use Coordinator appreciation from CORVA in 1988.

He is survived by his wife Linda, a son Robert, a daughter Terry, and four grandchildren, all of Poway.

His body was cremated and he will receive a Navy burial at sea. A memorial service is pending. In leiu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the land use fund at CORVA or the Off-Road Rider's Foundation. For information on how to contribute to either of these organizations, call (619) 595-3886.

This page last update 6 September 2000