James Francis Peeler, age 82, of Surprise and Flagstaff, AZ died at Banner Del Webb Hospital on December 21, 2010.He was born in Douglas, AZ on June 14, 1928 to Francis and Berlyne (Conchola) Peeler.

Mr. Peeler joined the U.S. Air Force in November 1945 at the age of 17.He was an In Flight Refueling Technician, Assistant Navigator and Load Master and also was a Fireman for two years.He served in both World War II and the Korean War.He retired in August 1965 with 22 years of active service.Mr. Peeler returned to his hometown of Douglas and from 1977 - 1979 he moved to Flagstaff and attended Northern Arizona University majoring in Police Science Administration and in the fall of 1984, Abnormal Phychology.Several years later he met and married his wife Vera.He was employed from 1982 – 1994 at the Coconino County Guidance Center and retired again at the age of 65.He and his wife also worked for the Flagstaff Mortuary as mortuary assistants.Mr. Peeler also served two years as the Commander of the American Legion, Mark A. Moore. Post #3 in Flagstaff, from 2000 - 2002In 2004 they moved to Surprise, AZ to enjoy their retirement.

He is preceded in death by his parents Berlyne Young and Francis Peeler. He
leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 30 years, Vera Peeler; sons Larry
Peeler (Marilyn) of Douglas, AZ, Robert Peeler of Flagstaff, AZ.
Ron Peeler (Carolyn) of Alamagordo, New Mexico, Danell Peeler of New York, Willard
Reaves (Brenda) of Winnipeg, Canada, and John Reaves of Phoenix, AZ; daughters
Rose Peeler of New York, Nadine Daniels (Sylvester) of Richmond, Ca, Donna Reaves, Lori Roberson, and Barbara Stingley (Kenny) of Phoenix, AZ and Judy Jackson of Flagstaff, AZ and Janea Peeler of Surprise, AZ; 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and host of relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2011, from 9:00 – 11:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Lozano's Flagstaff Mortuary 2545 N, Fourth St. Burial will follow at the Citizens Cemetery Veterans Section, 1300 S. San Francisco St.Veterans Honors will be rendered by members of the various Flagstaff Veterans organizations.