Scientist James B. Peter dies at 76

James B. Peter, an Omaha native and noted medical scientist, died Friday of cancer at his home in Santa Moncia, Calif. He was 76.

Peter was the son of the late Carl J. and Anne Marie Peter of Omaha and brother of the Rev. Val Peter of Omaha, Boys Town’s retired executive director.

Jim Peter had maintained ties to Omaha, particularly his high school and college. Peter and his wife were the lead donors for the Dr. James B. and Joan C. Peter Science Wing that opened in 1999 at Creighton Prep. In 1993, he was named Prep’s Alumnus of the Year, an honor given to a graduate who lives a life devoted to serving others. Creighton University presented him its Alumni Achievement Citation in 1990.

Jim Peter earned his bachelor’s degree at Creighton, his medical degree at St. Louis University and his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Minnesota.

Peter subsequently joined the faculty at UCLA and, over many years, served as professor, clinical professor and College of Letters and Sciences Advisory Board member. He authored more than 450 articles in science and medicine journals and edited 27 books.

Peter founded Specialty Laboratories in Santa Monica in 1975 to “help doctors help patients.” The lab offers thousands of specialized tests for hospitals, labs and doctors and also conducts research to refine diagnostic testing for improved reliability and cost effectiveness.

When the company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in December 2000, it had grown to 800 employees. In 2006, the company was acquired by AmeriPath Inc. which was subsequently acquired by Quest Diagnostics in 2007.

Peter and his wife, Joan, founded the Specialty Family Foundation in 2006. The organization supports Catholic education for demographically disadvantaged children and research into the best recovery programs to help people with alcohol and substance abuse problems. The two strategies were targeted to help alleviate conditions that can lead to persistent poverty.

Peter and his wife of 53 years raised seven children, six of whom survive him. In addition to Father Peter, Jim Peter is survived by a sister, Mary Anne Hohman, of Alexandria, Va.

Funeral services will be Tuesday in Santa Monica.

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