James \'JP\' M. Pearson

SUN CITY WEST - James M. (JP) Pearson passed away on Nov. 3, 2016, due to complications after surgery at Del Webb Hospital. Jim was born on Nov. 12, 1934, in Rochester, Minn., to parents, Marion France and Paul Pearson. Jim was the youngest of five brothers who all served in the military during WWII and the Korean War. He graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., with a degree in Health Administration. After serving in the Army from 1957 to 1959, he obtained a Master's degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and relocated to Minneapolis, Minn. He held many positions in the health administration field, and dedicated himself to helping people with disabilities. He met the love of his life, Gladys Westberg, while working as Assistant Hospital Administrator at Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. They married on Christmas Day 1971. They enjoyed 45 years together and loved to travel, square dance, golf and birdwatch. He was an avid reader of military history and loved to cook (and was really good at it!) After retiring from Maricopa County Medical Assistance Programs, he continued to serve others by volunteering for Hospice of the Valley and was very active in his church, Desert Palms Presbyterian. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor. Quiet, reserved and humble, he had a sharp intellect and wicked sense of humor. He always put his family and others first before himself. He was preceded in death by brothers, Robert and Charles. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Gladys; daughter, Laurie; furry daughter, Cricket IV; brothers, Donald and Dave (wife, Lois); many nieces and nephews who share fond memories of their 'Uncle Jim'; as well as other relatives. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Desert Palms Presbyterian Church, 13459 W. Stardust Blvd., Sun City West, AZ 85375. Phone 623-584-4602. Interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in his memory to the Desert Palms Memorial Fund, or to the Arizona Humane Society.