Sadly, John lost his battle with cancer on June 20th, 2025. A “big kid” at heart, he wanted to have fun and bring others along for the ride—what a ride it was!

Born in October, 1946, in Eureka, Calif., this rambunctious guy hit the ground running! Always a hard-working man, he began in high school first working for Purity Grocery, various gas stations and Safeway. This led to Sacchi Chevrolet where he began his passion of working with cars. 

Dawn of The Muff

In 1971 he opened his own business: Arcata Muffler. John diligently held the sunny top corner of the Arcata Plaza for 34 years. John’s customers ran the gamut: hot-rods, first-time car owners, seasoned drivers, local businesses, farmers, professors, and even Monster Truck the Cardiff Giant.

Over time his shop became a hub for the local car culture in the area as John inspired countless car enthusiasts to “Just give it a little more ROAR!” Driving past was a treat for locals to see what was being worked on. Always helpful, willing to lend a hand, and cracking jokes, he made certain that anyone coming to his shop would leave with a safe and solid solution for their car and a smile on their face. “Well, you simply can’t just hold that up with bailing wire … Let’s see what we can do for you.” John understood that not everyone could afford his services, so he was always willing to work with them on the price. Grateful customers would often tip with a cold beverage, which he didn’t seem to mind. 

A Community Booster 

Supporting local businesses and forging friendships with the owners, John was revered by many and enjoyed boosting the spirit in others. 

John participated and sponsored many local events, lending his talents, time, and spirit. Some of note include:

• The Kinetic Sculpture Race: Welding and repairing machines on the road
• Arcata Bar Stool Races: Building/racing motorized bar stools on the Plaza
• Arcata Muffler Baseball Team: Founder
• Redwood Park Lunch Box Derby: Building cars, planes, and racers out of lunch boxes and racing them down the Stump Slides. 

Custom Car World 

John had a passion for the car scene and the community it builds. Restoring some and creating street rods out of many, his hobby also forged lifelong friends with so many great people. These family-based activities held so many fun memories of the good times all had on the road traveling, often driving show cars to the shows. His love for old cars and an interest keeping them on the road gained him quick notoriety and every car he built was published in a magazine. 

One of Muff’s earlier builds was a 1930 Model A Ford he used for his Arcata Muffler Logo. Going on to build more street rods, his final build was a 1948 Studebaker pickup. This eye-catching machine made the Feb. 2007 cover of Street Scene Magazine, calendars, and various car magazines, all of which he was very proud of. He also added his Studebaker into another logo for his shop. 

An active member of the local car seen, he and his wife Judy towed the D.A.R.E. Police car to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show where they received a lot accolade, both enjoyed the trip and special opportunity. Later that year, Judy’s father, James Ulmer, passed away and left them his 1957 Ford. The Arcata Police Department was just starting up a new program “Citizens on Patrol.“ Inspiration struck: With donation from Local Businesses, and private donors, the ’57 Ford was transformed into a beautiful Arcata Police cruiser for local parades and events. 

A Man of Many Talents 

John was always active in many fields: He bought and sold antiques, finding some real treasures at times. Passionate for restoration, he enjoyed restoring antique gas pumps and did a beautiful job bringing them back to new. 

A Lifelong Love:

In the little town of Phillipsville, Ca. while staying at the Deerhorn Lodge John met his later to be Wife Judy. He was 14 and she was 12. His parents had a small travel trailer and she would see him in the summer months. Frolicking in the pool, cabins and running in the campground, they always looked forward to seeing one another. In 1966 Judy moved up to Eureka for school. She called John’s Mother Mary to inquire about him and was told that he was in the Army National Guard Boot Camp in Georgia. Mary gave Judy his address and a pen-pal relationship was formed. They wrote many letters while he was away. Upon his return, she was happy to seem in again and as the story goes, he was happy to see her too. They were married two years later and began to build a Family. 

John is survived by his Wife of 57 years Judy, his two Sons and their families - Gary Peterson and Shelia, Dennis Peterson, and Megan. 6 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren, 3 Nieces, 1 Nephew and their families, along with countless friends and rebellious machines on the road. 

Letter: Childhood friend: Mark Woods – Surprise Ariz.

“John was an industrious, talented individual putting those attributes to work to develop and manage a highly successful business. He was a superb mechanic, muffler/exhaust system magician/consummate barstool racer. He had a keen eye for collecting/refurbishing those bits and pieces of cherished childhood memorabilia. We both shared a deep affection for our hometown of Arcata: Quiet, but vibrant place in the redwoods that gave us a wonderful childhood: enriching us with lifelong friendships and precious memories. He was an honest, generous, no-nonsense man with a sharp sense of humor and welcoming demeanor. The world is just a little bit dimmer in his absence, but I will always muster a smile whenever I think of him, which will be often. It was truly an honor having John as friend.”

Per John’s request: there will not be a formal service. 

“NO MUFF TOO TOUGH!”