James E. Peterson

James Edward “Jimmy” Peterson, 53, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 9:57 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2026, in his residence.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Burial will follow in Swedish Lutheran Cemetery, near Neoga, IL. Casual attire is requested.

Jimmy was born on August 21, 1972, in Effingham, IL, the son of Harold and Pat (Baker) Peterson. Over the years, Jimmy worked at several factories in both Shelbyville and Mattoon. Jimmy’s true love was going fast: he loved mud drags and drag racing with his father and brother. In his spare time, Jimmy could be found hunting and fishing.

Jimmy is survived by his parents; sons, Brace Peterson of Cowden, IL, and Elijah Peterson of Bingham, IL; daughter, Sadie Peterson of Cowden, IL; and brothers, Robert Peterson and Harold Peterson, Jr., both of Shelbyville, IL.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Lois and Carl Peterson; grandmother, Doris Pollard; grandfather, William Baker; uncles, Bill and Bob Peterson; and aunt, Sharon Gordon.