Point Loma resident John Ames Petersen “” grandson of the late Walter and Marguerite Ames, longtime La Jolla residents “” died Dec. 9, 2006, at his home. He was born in Palo Alto in 1949 to parents Nancy Ames Petersen and Henry E. Petersen. When the family moved to New York in 1952, Petersen returned to San Diego to spend summer vacations at his grandparents’ home on Hillside Drive. He even learned to swim at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.
In 1961, Petersen, his brother Jim and his mother returned to live in La Jolla, where he attended Muirlands Junior High School and La Jolla High School. Petersen lettered in swimming and graduated in 1967.
He attended the University of San Diego and earned a business degree from the University of Redlands.
As a teenager, Petersen took summer jobs at the Timken Museum of Art, founded by his grandfather. Eventually, he held almost every position at the museum, including guard, superintendent, director of operations and deputy director. In 1995, he was promoted to executive director and served with distinction until his death.
For many years, Petersen coached his children’s soccer and softball teams in La Jolla. He was also a supporter of the Gillispie School, which his children attended for many years.
Petersen is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; a daughter, Erin, and son, Dane; his mother, Nancy; and a brother, James, who had worked alongside him as the Timken Museum of Art’s administrator.
A public memorial for Petersen was held Jan. 5 at USD’s Immaculata Church. Friends have created a Web site, www.johnapetersen.com, to share photographs and memories.
