Luedeen James

Luedeen James, age 89, passed away on February 15, 2026, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital.

Luedeen was born on January 17, 1937, to Monroe Thomas Bradford and Una (Ferguson) Bradford. She grew up amongst her three siblings; Geneva, Roland, and Orlandee, and moved to Michigan from Arkansas when she was only fourteen years old. Lively and vivacious in both youth and adulthood, Luedeen was known to her loved ones as “Battlin’ Bantam.” She was widowed in 1992 from Dale Peterson of Petoskey; but found love again with Eugene James, who she married on January 6, 2001.

Finding solace and comfort in her faith, Luedeen was a member of the LIFE Church Assembly of God in Leesburg, Florida, a Pentecostal congregation with which she took an active role arranging the weekly Ladies’ Luncheon.

Luedeen was known for her seemingly boundless energy. Like a hummingbird, she was known to “flit from place to place,” enjoying the richness of whatever was around her. She loved nature, whether in cultivating her garden or simply taking the time to dip her feet in the cool water of the stream in her yard, sitting for hours with her daughter and talking about the years gone by. Her Southern roots showed in her generosity to others, teaching her loved ones to make homemade jelly and other treats. She adored every one of her grandchildren beyond measure and was eager to show that love.

Luedeen is survived by her daughter Lisa Peterson and son Don (Barb) Peterson; siblings Geneva Lee Bollnak and Roland Bradford; grandchildren Fernando, Nikki, Dustin, Deanna, Alaan, Chantelli, and Cindy; and great-grandchildren Trayton, Lilian, Bryson, Thomas, Luke, Cylis, Romeo, LuCinda, Jaylynn, Nikeyia, Joshua, Christopher, and little Steven. She was preceded in death by her son Alan Dale Peterson; husbands Dale Peterson and Eugene James; and brother Orlandee Bradford.

A funeral service will be held for Luedeen at Stone Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with a private burial to follow. Visitation will start at 10:00 AM with the service, officiated by Pastor David Behling, beginning at 11:00 AM.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home.

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