It was a dark and stormy night...this is how Jim Larson would prefer to start this story, any story, as he was blessed with his mother's gift of joke-telling. James Alan Larson was born to Nellie and Carl Larson on October 9, 1942 in the hospital at Cassville. He and brother Eric attended Weaver and Pipkin, both graduating from Central High School, Jim in 1960. Jim went directly to SMSU, being an Army ROTC student while gaining a degree in industrial engineering and math. He went onto train soldiers to fire howitzers at Fort Sill.

During college days, Jim married Alma Yarbrough in 1963. Together they parented two varmits, Susan and Don. Working for Dayco, then Bandag and Colonial Rubber Works during his career as an industrial engineer, Jim gave the opportunity to his family of living in Missouri, Iowa and Tennessee.

Fishing with his father, Uncle Ralph and Bud Frank was a fun part of Jim's early days. In high school he played football for the Bulldogs, In later years he played fastpitch softball, did league bowling, and enjoyed beating little white balls to death on the golf course.

Jim leaves behind his wife of nearly 60 years, Alma, and their children Susan (Willie) and Don (Melanie); his granddaughter Amelia and beloved nephews Rusty (Joy), Mark (Angie) and Brett (Jana), along with their families.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM, with Funeral Service following at 1:00 PM, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.