Peter Jason Huntley, 85, of Pine Grove, CA, passed away Saturday, July 7th, at Kindred Hospital, Folsom, Sacramento County. Peter was born in Ogema Township, MN on June 11, 1927, a son of the late Hazel Leola (Hastings) and Emery Jason Huntley. Peter's first job came at the age 15 years as a truck driver. At age 18 Peter was drafted but was denied by the US Army so he joined the Merchant Marines during WWII where he worked on the tanker ship "Sugarland" and worked as a pastry chef. He was the knock out champ of the boxing ring on the ship.

Peter and his wife, Ethel grew up together, their families were friends and attended the same church. Their first date was at age 13 and it was a church function. They married when they were 18 and 19 in Danbury, Wisconsin October 26, 1946. They had four children within the first 6 years of marriage in North Dakota where Peter worked as a cook and truck driver and later as a mechanic. The family moved to California in 1961. He worked as a Volkswagen mechanic in San Luis Obispo where he worked with both his sons. Peter designed and made his own tools to enable him to work more proficiently with his handicap. He only had 2 fingers on his left hand, losing parts of the other three at the age of 7 years.

In 1977 Peter sustained a back injury at work and was forced to retire. Peter and Ethel moved to Amador County and opened Huntley Trophies and Engraving in Jackson, which was a successful business for 18 years.

Peter and Ethel loved to ride their motorcycle throughout the United States. Peter was famous for always riding off the beaten path. He was a loving husband and father, a gentle man who would dance with his little girls to Lawrence Welk, taught his boys a trade and instilled a strong work ethic in all of his children. Loved camping as a family and long Sunday drives, taking a different route each time.

He loved his church family at Grace Fellowship of Amador County. He was a member of Christian Motorcycle Association, Jackson Wheels Motorcycle club, Amador Gold Tones Organ Club, Amador Gem and Mineral Society, Elks Lodge and Jackson Businessman's Association.

Peter is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ethel; daughters, Corrine Joyce Kartuzinski, of Clear Water, FL; Ida Louise, and her husband, Charlie Ritchie, of Butte, MT; sons, Dale Jason, and his wife, Adrienne Huntley, of Prescott Valley, AZ; Bruce Edward, and his wife, Patsy Huntley, of Old Hickory, TN; 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren; and 3 cousins.

Friends and Family are invited to attend a celebration of life Saturday, July 14, 2012, 11:00 AM at Grace Fellowship Church, 8040 S. Hwy 49, Jackson, CA 95642. Inurnment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Fellowship Missions Fund P.O. Box 850 Jackson, CA 95642. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.danerimortuary.com and signing the guest book.