James Clair “Jim” Larson, 78, of Clearwater, FL went home to be with his Lord on March 11, 2014 at home.
Born in Ekalaka, MT on February 2, 1936 he came to FL in 1979 from Severna Park, MD. He was a US Army veteran, a Catholic and member of Saint Cecelia Catholic Church and an alumnus of Carroll College in Helena, MT and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. He retired as a Projects Manager from the Pinellas County Government in 2004 after fifteen years as a public servant for various government entities in the Florida Retirement System.
Jim was an avid sportsman, especially competing in long distance running and triathlon (swim-run-bike) venues during most of his adult life in which he set personal and state running records in his 50’s, winning 3 silver medals in 1993 at the National Senior Games in Baton Rouge, LA. and finally reaching a goal of his to play for the world-renowned Kids & Kubs Three Quarter Century Softball Club of St. Petersburg, FL when he turned 74.
He is survived by his loving and caring Canadian born wife of 18 years, Sharron Margaret Larson; his two daughters, Laura (Timothy) Langan of Catonsville, MD, and Karen (Philip) Ferrone of Tarpon Springs, FL; his son, Steven Larson of Venice Beach, CA; his two stepdaughters, Karen Ann and Stephanie May MacDonald of Ontario, Canada; and six grandchildren.
A Mass will be celebrated at 1:30 pm on Friday, April 3, 2014 at St. Cecelia Catholic Church with Monsignor Aiden Foynes, Celebrant, http://www.stceceliachurch.org/. Interment with military honors will be presented at 12:45 pm on Monday, April 7th at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Boulevard, Bay Pines 33744.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Your exuberant vitality and smile will truly be missed but never forgotten.
Jim’s courage and optimism were exceptional.
We will always remember his strength and grace!
Condolences… Stay strong!!
Sincere condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Remembering Jim with his continuous smile, strength & determination to make this fight a winning scenario. No one could have wanted to bring this thing to its knees more than he did. His love for you (Sharron) was so obvious & was a remarkable transition to an extremely happy man for the years you were able to share together. Those will be the best years. Love you to & your family.
I have known Jim for twenty five years and he was THE most energetic person I have ever been around. In fact I used to call him the “Energizer Bunny”, because he could make you tired just watching him. He always had a huge smile on his face that let you know how much he loved life. Jim was very proud of his Kids & Grandkid’s. He adored his wife, Sharron, and told everyone so. He loved showing her off on the dance floor (they were fantastic together), he also loved traveling with her and making new friends. Jim was a stand-up guy with a passion for life and will truly be missed by everyone who knew him.
I just know that the first thing he did when he arrived in Heaven (after ’Hi-Fiving’ everyone who greated him), was ask St. Peter where he could sign up for the Soft Ball Team and the next Angel Marathon. And when he wins, Jesus will award him the Gold Metal personally. Look up and you will see it shining in the sky.
With Love from Jan
Dear Sharron; I know Jim would want you to know this. I saw this a few years ago and could not forget it.
All my love,
John Gaunt
END OF THE ROAD
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a floom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love we once shared
Miss me and let me go.
For this journey that we all must take
And each must go alone
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me but let me go
Very Sad to hear of Jim’s death. It was fun to visit with Jim and Sharon at Carroll’s reunions. We thought it was interesting that we were born on the same date and year and attended the same college. Gary and Sheila Dietzen
I first met Jim when he was in the army stationed in Maryand. His first wife Beverly was my best friend and I was a bridesmaid at their wedding. The obit makes no mention of his first wife Beverely Neubert Larson = mother of their 3 children. Sorry I am seven yrs late seeing this
If anyone from the family sees this I would like to be in touch