James Larsen

1922 - 2017

James "Jim" Larsen

Geraldine, MT —James Clarence Larsen, known to many as "Jim" or "Papa" passed away March 23, 2017. Jim was born on June 24, 1922 as the only child to parents Dora and Clarence, in his uncle's homestead east of Geraldine. His father passed in 1927, and his mother moved to town to start a business styling hair and taking in laundry. He attended school in Geraldine, living on Main Street with his mother during the week and spending most weekends and summers with his cousins at the farm.

In 1941, duty called and Jim enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. He was inducted into the Army on August 31, 1942 at Butte, Montana. He was assigned to 959th Topographical Engineer Company, and trained at Fresno, California, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. In December 1943, he went to Butler College in Indianapolis, Indiana to specialize in navigation. In September, 1944 he went to San Marcus, Texas. He graduated from Navigation School and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant on January 13, 1945. He trained in B-29 bombers at Clovis, New Mexico, before leaving in June 1945 for Tinian Island, located in the Northern Marianas. He was discharged on April 28, 1946 at Fort Lewis, Washington, as a 1st Lieutenant.

Soon after returning home, he met the love of his life, Edna "Mickey" Lund at Rusty's Bar in Geraldine. After a year of courtship, where Jim nearly wore out the road between Geraldine and Great Falls, they were married on September 28, 1947. After a honeymoon traveling the Midwest they made his uncle's old homestead their own, and Jim spent countless hours expanding and improving it.

The couple had three children, and during that time Jim was very active in the community. He served on the Central Montana Co-Op Board, was an active member of the United Methodist Church and VFW, and a regular attendee of school sporting events. After handing over the reins of the family farm to their son, Jim and Mickey remained at their house in Geraldine. Jim continued to help out on the farm, as he always had, particularly during busy times. They loved going south for vacation, especially to their favorite gambling spot, Jackpot, Nevada. They also reveled in watching their grandchildren grow, and had an endless supply of Cheetos and M&Ms whenever they came to visit.

A few months ago, Jim and Mickey went to Gillette to be near their daughter and her family. In the hours and days preceding his death, he had many visits from cherished loved ones and new friends. "Papa" is survived by his loving wife Mickey, daughter Joleen (Jimmy) Jones, son Marshall (Debi) Larsen, 8 grandchildren, 4 (soon to be 5) great-grandchildren, and many friends in Geraldine and Chouteau County. He was preceded in death by his parents, his Uncle Zoyd, and his daughter Bonnie.

A memorial service is tentatively scheduled for Friday, April 21 at the United Methodist Church in Geraldine. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the United Methodist Church, the American Legion, or another local community organization.