James R. (Jim) Larson

Jim, the son of Robert (Bob) and Flora (Verhamme) Larson, was born in Gladstone, was raised and lived most of his life on the Days River land his family homesteaded since 1868. Jim joined the U.S. Navy in 1956, serving his tour on the destroyer U.S.S. Clarence K. Bronson. On his return from service, he married Joan C. Froberg in March 1960. Jim and Joan made their home in Escanaba with their two children while Jim began a career at the Escanaba Police Department/Escanaba Public Safety. Jim was a long-time member of Public Safety’s Competitive Pistol Team and the Delta County Law Enforcement Association. He attained the rank of lieutenant before he retired in 1987. Jim returned to Days River where he and his son ran Larson Forest Products. Jim was always a loving grandfather to his four grandsons, and played an active role in making them the men they have become. Jim enjoyed a good time and for many years was a member of the U.P. Chiefs Motorcycle Club and the Delta County Men’s Pool League. He was proud of his garden and shared many an ear of corn with a friend. Jim loved to hunt and chased the wily whitetail to the Happy Hunting Grounds.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Flora Larson; sister, Connie Larson; sister, Pat; and brother-in-law, Jeff Goodman and brother-in-law Sam Mills.

He is survived by his wife and soul mate, Joan; son, Bob (Angie) Larson; daughter, Linda (Ted) Mathieson; grandsons, Matt (Bonnie), Jake, Bob and Ian Larson; brother Howard Larson (Tammy Needham); sister Helen (Gary) Micheau, sister-in-law, Jan Mills; nieces, Daney, Rhonda and Pam; nephews, Heikki, Jim, Brant Troy and Sam.

In honor of his wish for family and friends to celebrate his life, Jim’s family invites friends to join them at his home at 6874 Day’s River Road on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. for remembrance, refreshments and celebration of a life well-lived.

The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Larson family. Please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com where you can leave a message of condolence to the family.

Our family would like to offer the Michigan State Police officers and Rescue Squad paramedics our deepest thanks for their valiant efforts. The emergency room staff at OSF St. Francis could not have been more kind and made our last moments together a moment of peace in a whirlwind of pain and loss Thank you all.

“As a well spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death.” Leonardo da Vinci