James Ray Larson, age 69, of Shelby, Montana passed away December 24th, 2022, after a short battle with medical complications. James, also known as Jim, Jimbo, Lars, Jimmy Burger, Diamond Jim, Dad, and Papa was born July 17th, 1953, in Havre, Montana to Gerald and Leona Larson. Jim was number five of ten children born to Gerald and Leona.
Jim graduated from Shelby High School in 1972 and always excelled in athletics, one time sinking eight straight long shots in a junior high basketball game against the old St. Williams grade school. As a freshman at SHS he was one of only two players in his class to play both freshman and varsity basketball and football. Jim attended the University of Montana and worked construction around Montana for his dad’s company after high school. He then moved to a position with Burlington Northern. Jim eventually took a job working for Kluth Inc. in Shelby, Montana which he continued with until the time of his passing. Jim took immense pride in helping to create the First State Bank float for the Marias Fair Parade each year. He also worked heavily in the Oil and Gas industry as a very skilled landman.
Jim married Bridget McNamer in 1980. They would go on to have over 30 years of marriage and raise two beautiful daughters, Britta and Sofie. Jim was an amazing dad who spoiled his girls. One of the family’s favorite pastimes was golfing and finding lost golf balls in the ponds at Marias Valley Golf Course. Jim was a great cook and the family loved Friday night nacho night, as well as spending time on the family’s pontoon boat. Jim was an avid golfer and participated in mixed league, men’s league, and the ever so important “Holy Thursday” at Marias Valley Golf Course. He loved to drive his 1974 Ford Bronco which he restored over the years. Jim recently took a trip to Jamacia with friends, which was a highlight for him the last part of his life. Granddaughters Brylie and Sloan were his pride and joy. Everyone who met Jim loved him and considered him a friend. He could talk to anybody and looked down on no one. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Sofia Larson, father Gerald Larson, mother Leona Larson, brother David Larson, brother Mike Larson, sister Cathy Larson, brother-in-law Tennyson Doney, and brother-in-law David Dunk.
Jim is survived by his daughter Britta Sekora, son-in-law Andrew Sekora, granddaughters Brylie Ray Sekora and Sloan Sofia Sekora, sister Charlotte (Tennyson) Doney, brother Jerry (Nyla) Larson, sister Judy (David) Dunk, sister Lila Scholl, sister Cindy (Dale) Doane, sister Tina (John) Hagman, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Memorial services for Jim will include the following: a viewing on Friday December 30th, 2022, at 6pm at St. Luke’s Lutheran church (222 2nd Street South, Shelby, MT 59474), a funeral service at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on Saturday December 31st, 2022, at 1pm with a graveside service and reception to follow at St. Luke’s.
Joni Stewart says
You will be missed! Rest in peace, Jim.
Kathy Turner says
I am so very sorry to hear about Jim. He was a wonderful, kind, friendly man and a very close friend of ours.
He always referred to my husband as “Chuckles” and they shared many years of friendship.
I was fortunate to visit with him this summer during 1972 -50th Class Reunion.
May you rest in God’s heavenly peace.
Renee (Simons) Espinosa says
Jim and Bridget were neighbors to the Simons family for years, and always great neighbors and so kind to my parents. Jim was the nicest guy always. I have many memories of the mornings at the cafe in Shelby of him at the table having coffee with the guys and always included my mom. He was patient and kind – and she loved Jim.
RIP Jim – heaven got a good one
Jim O'Day says
We were so sorry to hear this news. Jim always brought a smile to everyone’s face. Our thoughts and prayers go to the entire family. Heaven just gained another wonderful person who left us way too early… but it did get another talented golfer.
Diane Stocker says
So sorry for your loss. He was great guy. Met him while taking piano lessons from his mom. We were friends with his sister Cathy .
Mark Black says
I am so sorry to hear this news. Jim was a great friend and I have many memories of him at MVGCC! He always brightened my day and was one of a kind. You will be missed, my friend, rest in peace
Artha and Dick Dunk says
Our Deepest Sympathy and love to all the family. Jim, was such a wonderful man. He always had a smile and was so pleasant.
He will be missed. Rest In Peace Jim.