John William Peters, 84, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away at home on May 11, 2025. Born on May 29, 1940, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, John embraced a life of adventure, resilience, and curiosity.

In 1960, John and his wife Brenda left Michigan for Southern California, beginning a new chapter with their infant daughter. Over the years, John worked a variety of jobs—including milkman and door-to-door salesman—before finding his calling in the automotive industry. He spent many years as a new car salesman and finance manager, eventually owning used car dealerships in both Sacramento and San Diego. After retiring from the car business at age 68, he and his second wife, Leslie, relocated to Las Vegas, where he earned his real estate license and remained an active realtor well into his 80s.

John had an insatiable zest for life and a deep appreciation for California’s diverse landscapes. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed boating, water skiing, snow skiing, and motorcycle riding—and even skydived once. A licensed pilot in his 20s, John flew small planes as a hobby for over 20 years. He was also a sports enthusiast - his favorite teams being the L.A. Lakers, San Diego Padres, and the Chargers.

A longtime resident of Upland, Newport Beach, Sacramento, and Encinitas, John began running in the 1970s and became a marathon runner at 50. He completed over 30 marathons and countless half marathons across the country. He proudly participated in every San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon from its inception in 1998 until his final race in 2015 at age 75. In his later years, hiking became his favorite way to stay active and connected to nature.

John was known for his sense of humor and youthful spirit. A big kid at heart, he delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, sharing his love of amusement parks, arcades, pinball, and Chuck E. Cheese.

He was also an avid reader who kept his mind sharp with the works of authors like Stuart Woods, John Grisham, and James Patterson. He enjoyed quiet moments solving Sudoku puzzles and watching Family Feud.

John is survived by his first wife and mother of four of his children, Brenda Lennox Hohmann; his devoted wife of 42 years, Leslie Peters; his children Sandy (Roger) Vandeventer, Carmen (John) Kline, Duane Peters, Audrey (Geoff) Gomez, and Gary (Kelley) Peters; and seven grandchildren: Christopher (Candace) Skolmowski, Brittany (Victor) Skolmowski, Schuyler Kaufman, London Peters, E Gomez, Nojay Gomez, and Clash Peters. He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren: Riley Skolmowski, Monroe Wilson, Maddox Skolmowski, and Raylen Skolmowski; and siblings Doug Peters, Marilyn Blodgett, David Peters, Sue (Marty) Dorn, and Steve (Sherrie) Peters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Colman C. and Kathleen Peters, and his beloved grandson, Chess Peters.

John’s adventurous spirit, enduring curiosity, and his love of a vodka martini will live on in the memories of all who knew and loved him.

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