James Mitchell Petersen II

James Mitchell Petersen II, affectionately known as Mitch, passed away at the age of 42 on January 5,2024, surrounded by family on Daniel Island, South Carolina.

Mitch was born on September 3, 1981, in Columbia, Missouri, to his proud parents, Wanda Garrison Petersen and James "Jim" Petersen. The family relocated to St. Louis, MO when he was 4 years of age. There he grew to love sports of all kinds. However, another move, this time out of state was in the stars. He started 4th grade In Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where he quickly made friends, learned to surf, and met much school success at Landrum Middle School and Allen D. Nease High School. In 2000, he donned orange and blue becoming a proud member of the Gator nation and Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Finance. GO GATORS! After leaving UF, Mitch had a thriving career at Bank of America working in multiple corporate divisions with a final title of Managing Director, Head of International Capital Management. Due to his work, he resided mostly in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, he lived in New York City and London for a short period of time. Mitch was very smart, reliable, loyal, organized, and dedicated to his work and the responsibilities it brought. Building respect, giving a quick smile, or relaying a fun joke in the workplace was something he strived to do.

Mitch’s passions were fishing, surfing, hunting, exercising, golfing, being with friends, and family. Some of his favorite memories with his family include the many years of fishing vacations in the Florida Keys, a trip to Alaska, surfing trips to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Mitch’s ATO friends and the friends he made through work were very important to him. He always wanted the best for each and everyone. He loved watching the Florida Gators play and became an avid Arsenal soccer fan while living in London. The family often benefitted from his joy of cooking when he made soups for their holiday gatherings. He enjoyed helping his brother- in- law with the annual Thanksgiving oyster roast and fried turkey. Spending time with his niece and nephews surfing, playing video games, Fortnight, chess, soccer, or basketball was very special to him. However, fishing with them brought him the most joy. They have a shared passion and many memories of fishing in Alaska, on the Wando River, and on their dock with their Uncle Mitch.

Mitch was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, on his 40th birthday (September, 2021) when vacationing in Portugal. He was rushed to the United States to seek treatment at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston and to be with his family. During his 27-month long journey, he fought for his life seeking many types of treatments as well as traveling to Germany for a custom vaccine, consulting with doctors at Dana- Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and at Duke’s Brain Cancer Center in North Carolina. Mitch’s persistent personality and determination to battle this cancer while continuing to maintain his routine and quality of life helped him to outlive the average glioblastoma patient. While undergoing treatment, he was quick to re-kindle time and make memories with family and friends.

Through his cancer journey Mitch became a strong Christian and was baptized. He became active at the Church of the Holy Cross on Daniel Island forming strong relationships with the community and men’s life group. Mitch wrote his testimony about his journey to Christianity and was passionate about sharing it with others. Through his ministry he reached many people sharing what he learned from his life and the message that it is never too late to seek God.

Mitch is survived by his parents, Jim and Wanda Petersen; his sister, Rebecca Petersen Leddy; his brother-in-law, Lee Leddy; his nephew, Logan Leddy; his nephew, Connor Leddy; his niece, Sophia Leddy; and his aunt, Sandra Garrison.

The service for James "Mitch" Petersen II will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:30 AM at The Church of the Holy Cross located at 299 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island, South Carolina 29492 with Pastor Jonathan Bennett officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations/contributions in regards to Mitch Petersen may be made to the Church of the Holy Cross at Daniel Island with c/o Pastor Jonathan Bennett 299 Seven Farms Drive Charleston, SC 29492.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.