James Larrow

1938 - 2017

James "Jim" C. Larrow, 79, of Ottawa Lake, MI, died Wednesday, June 14, 2017, in his home, with his loving wife by his side. Born March 8, 1938, in Toledo, OH, he was the son of Roy and Helen (Koch) Larrow. A 1956 graduate of Whitmer High School, he married Sharon Modlinski on September 7, 1963, in Queen of Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, Toledo, OH. Jim was self-employed for 55 years in the home improvement business. He also farmed the family homestead on Hagman Rd., in Toledo, where he ran a vegetable and fruit stand. His experience in the growing and care of peach trees was brought to the attention of Schedel's Gardens in Elmore, OH, where he became advisor and pruned their peach orchard for many years. Jim, with his wife, Sharon owned and managed a ceramic shop for 20 years. The farm and ceramic shop were sold when they moved to Ottawa Lake, MI, in 1990. He was a very talented and created beautifully detailed room boxes in the 1/12 inch scale that won many awards. For 20 years he and Sharon traveled the country attending and selling the pieces of art in miniature they made and produced. He was treasurer of the Glass City Miniature Guild for many years. Jim was appointed to the board of the Blair Museum of Lithophanes by former Mayor, Carty Finkbinder and later served as a docent and manager of its gift shop also, till his death.
He served as treasurer of the Toledo Artist Club and a volunteer at the Toledo Botanical Gardens. Jim was very active in the Knights of Columbus, Council, 7413 of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Erie, MI, where he became a 4th degree Knight in 2007. He served in many offices in council, including Deputy Grand Knight. He was in charge of the building and rental property.
A committee was formed and directed by Jim to care for and develop 3 areas of St. Joseph Cemetery, Erie, MI. The first being a memorial for the unborn. The statue of St. Joseph was commissioned under his leadership to replace one damaged by a storm. In 2016 the memorial for all who served was dedicated. He was also the project coordinator for the columbarium in the cemetery.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sharon; daughters, Lorraine (John) Stiefel and Linda (G.H. Mike) Larrow-Richards. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Elroy Larrow.
Visitation will be from 6-9 pm, Sunday, June 18, 2017 and 3-8 pm, Monday, June 19, 2017, at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman) Temperance, MI. The Rosary will be prayed by the Knights of Columbus, Council 7413 on Sunday at 7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 10:15 am, Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, with Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan Blvd., Erie MI, Fr. David Cybulski, officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Blair Museum of Lithophanes in Toledo, OH. www.pawlakfuneralhome.com.