BELFAST — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Richard Peters of Belfast, Maine on November 13, 2025, at the age of 78. James passed away peacefully after a long illness with his much-loved wife at his side. As a husband, father, grandfather, brother, musician, sailor, computer programmer, and friend, the memory of Jim’s laughter and kindness will live on in those who loved him dearly.

James, born May 10, 1947 in Schenectady, New York, was the son of Harold F. and Kathleen M. (Dunlop) Peters. He grew up in the countryside in Rotterdam, NY and graduated from Schalmont High School in 1965. James studied geography at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Upon graduation, he worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad in their mapping department. In 1977, he worked in the mapping department for New York State Department of Transportation, where he met Debby. In 1978, he went on to serve as a computer programmer in the Department of Social Services, later named the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Jim worked almost 34 years for the State of New York. During that time, he and his family lived in Guilderland, New York, with their children attending Guilderland schools and Albany Academy for Boys. After retiring, Jim and his beloved wife, Debby, moved to the Maine coast where they had frequently sailed and vacationed.

Jim loved music and taught himself multiple instruments throughout his life. He began his journey into the world of bagpipes and drums by traveling regularly to New Jersey for bagpipe lessons at the age of 12. Several educational summer trips to Nova Scotia and Scotland cemented his abilities and status as a top piper in the region. At age 18, he was recruited by Macalester College and led their pipe band as Pipe Major for his fellow students. After moving to Albany, New York, Jim became a key member of the Schenectady Pipe Band. He also learned drumming and led the composition, teaching, and coordination of the drum corps as Drum Sergeant for several years. Highlights include two trips to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. During the 1993 trip, the band was awarded 1st place for “Dress and Drill” and played in a Military Tattoo at Sterling Castle. Jim was also very instrumental in bringing back the Capital District Scottish Games in 1978 after a 10-year hiatus, and for many years he was a key figure in running the piping, drumming, and band competitions.

Jim’s second lifelong passion was sailing. He led many family adventures on Long Island Sound, the Hudson River, the Champlain Canal, Lake Champlain, and coastal Maine, introducing his children to the world of sailing at a very young age. Particularly special trips to Jim included his honeymoon with his wife, Debby, and a three week trip from Albany, New York to South Bristol, Maine with his family. His competence and skill provided a positive learning environment during the many family vacations and weekend trips for his children to grow up with a passion for the water, wind, and environment.  

An amazing problem-solver and skilled with logic puzzles, Jim could figure out how to do almost anything in the age before YouTube.  Jim had a great sense of humor, was quick with a passing pun, and generous with his smile and rousing laughter. He got along with everyone he met and was easy to love.

For James, family always came first. He and Debra married in Cobleskill, New York on May 12, 1979. They shared many joyful moments raising their children. He was always attending their sports events, school plays, musicals, concerts, and other events throughout the Capital District and into their college years.

James is predeceased by his parents, Harold F. and Kathleen M. (Dunlop) Peters, and his dog, Molly, and cat, Bill.

James is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Debra (Schroeder) Peters; his children: Erika Peters and her children Elizabeth, Alexander, and Jenna; Matthew (Chelsea) Peters and their sons Lucas and Julian; and Andrew (Samantha) Peters and their son Beauden; Jimmy’s brothers: David (Wanda) Peters, Norman Peters (Judy Bryan), and Gordon (Emily) Peters; and nieces and nephew, Shannon, Brennan, Jessica and Zachary, all of whom will cherish his memory forever.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Westgate Center for Rehabilitation & Alzheimer’s Care and St. Joseph Hospice for the loving care James received this past year.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Macalester College Pipe Band by visiting www.macalester.edu/pipebandfund.

A “Sail-a-bration” of Life will be held at a later date in the spring in Maine.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com.