James D. Larson • 1936 - 2008

James D. Larson, 71, Minot, died Saturday, May 10, 2008 in a Minot hospital.

James was born October 29, 1936 in Minot, ND the son of Elwin and Agnes (Smetana) Larson. He was raised near Lansford and worked on the family farm while growing up. Following graduation in 1955 from Lansford High School, he attended Minot State Teachers College. While in college Jim worked at Shark's and Olson's Men's Stores.

During the building of the Minot Air Force Base, he worked construction for Peter Kiewit Sons, Inc. and helped with the family farming operation. In 1961, Jim went to work with the South Dakota Highway Department and later the North Dakota Highway Department.

On September 4, 1965 Jim married Audrey Jo Strauss in Fessenden, ND. Jim loved his dear wife, Audrey, their daughter, Michelle, and was especially proud of his four year old grandson, Thomas Bagley. Jim was dedicated to family; he and Audrey were instrumental in helping his sister to raise her girls when she was suddenly widowed.


In 1969, he returned to Minot State College, graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. In 1972 he began his career, teaching Biology at Minot High School Central Campus, where he taught until 1982. He then worked for Wilhelm's Auto and later KG's Mens Clothing Store. Jim's love for education led him back to teaching after his retirement. He worked as a substitute teacher at Des Lacs Burlington High School and Surrey High School until the time of his death.

He is remembered as a handyman, a jack-of-all-trades, a person whose hands were never idle. His wife recalls the little house they moved into that Jim rebuilt and restored, to a beautiful home in southwest Minot. Not only was their home restored, but their yard also. Jim was an amazing gardener with beautiful flower gardens and fruit trees planted throughout their yard. He also loved to cook and bake, he made the best and healthiest muffins in town. He loved spending time in the outdoors hunting and fishing. Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend who will be deeply missed.

Jim was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and Moose Lodge, both in Minot. He was a staunch Democrat and was active in the North Dakota Democratic Party 5th District where he served as chairman until 2007.

Those who shared in his life; his loving wife of 43 years, Audrey, Minot; daughter, Michelle (Ted) Bagley, Portland, OR; grandson, Thomas Bagley; brother, Richard (Carolyn) Larson, Minneapolis, MN; sisters, Karen (Rick) Ludtke, Bemidji, MN and Kathleen Schultz, Minot; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Arden Larson; brother-in-law, Keith Schultz.

Memorial Service: Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot, ND.

Visitation and vigil prayer service: There will be no reviewal, but friends may sign the guest register Wednesday, May 14, 2008, from noon to 7:00 p.m., with the vigil prayer service at 7:00 p.m. all at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Burial: A private burial will be held at a later time.

Memorials are preferred to the World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St. NW, Washington, DC 20037 or to The Nature Conservancy, Worldwide Office 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606.

Celebrant of the Liturgies: Father Chris B. Walter

Music: Molly Hendrickson, vocalist and Jeanne Artz, accompanist
Opening, “Be Not Afraid”
Preparation of Gifts, “Prayer of St. Francis”
Communion, “How Great Thou Art”
Commendation, “Song of Farewell”
Closing, “On Eagles Wings”

Honorary Bearers: Jim’s family and all of his friends and teaching associates

To sign the online guest register for Jim
To view the online guest register for Jim

To view the inside of Jim's folder
To view the outside of Jim's folder

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