Background
Peterson, James Algert was born on April 17, 1915 in Baroda, Michigan, United States. Son of Djalma Hardaman and Mary Avis (McAnally) Peterson.
Peterson, James Algert was born on April 17, 1915 in Baroda, Michigan, United States. Son of Djalma Hardaman and Mary Avis (McAnally) Peterson.
Student, Northwestern University, 1941-1943; student, University Wisconsin, 1943; Bachelor of Science magna cum laude, St. Saint Louis University, 1948; Master of Science (Shell fellow), University of Minnesota, 1950; Doctor of Philosophy, University Minnesota, 1951.
Member staff United States Geological Survey, Spokane, Washington, 1949-1951. Instructor geology Washington State University, Pullman, 1951. Geologist Shell Oil Corporation, 1952-1965.
Geologist division stratigrapher, 1958-1963. Senior geologist, 1963-1965. Instructor geology New Mexico State University, San Juan, (Puerto Rico), branch, 1959-1965.
Professor geology University Montana, Missoula, from 1965. Consultant United States Geological Survey, 1976—1982, research geologist, 1982—1995, scientist emeritus, from 1995.
Served to 1st lieutenant United States Army Air Force, 1943-1946. Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science, Geological Society of America. Member American Association Petroleum Geologists (honorary, president Rocky Mountain secretary 1964, President's award 1988, Distinguished Service award 1992), Rocky Mountain Association Geologists (Outstanding Scientist award 1987), Four Corners Geological Society (honorary, president 1962), American Institute Professional Geologists (president Montana section 1971), Society Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists (honorary 1985, secretary-treasurer 1969-1971, editor 1976-1978, Distinguished Pioneer Geologist award 1988), Montana Geological Society (honorary 1987), Utah Geological Society, Explorers Club.
Married Gladys Marie Pearson, August 18, 1944. Children– James D., Wendy A., Brian H.