James Larsen

James "Jim" Paul Larsen, 90, passed away November 25, 2024, at a Bismarck Care Center. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 7 at Zion Lutheran Church, 413 E Ave D, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:00 pm, with a prayer service starting at 6:00pm, Friday, December 6, Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E. Divide Ave, Bismarck.

Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery, Saturday, December 7th at approximately 2:00PM. 

Jim was born on January 31, 1934, to C.C. and Marie Larsen. He grew up in Bismarck and attended Roosevelt, Hughes Junior High, and graduated from Bismarck High School. He was a class officer and played trombone in the band. In the summer of 1951, he attended Lutheran Bible Camp. It was there he met June Peterson from Fargo. In the fall of 1952, he enrolled at NDAC (now NDSU) and met June again. They dated for two years and were married on July 27, 1954. Their first child, Vicki Lynn, was born December 30, 1955. He graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1956. He also received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.

His first assignment was at Chanute Air Base in Illinois, he was trained in aircraft maintenance. After completing his time at Chanute, he was assigned to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa as the chief maintenance officer for 29 F-100 Fighter Bombers in the 67th Fighter Bomber Squadron. June was able to join him, and their second daughter, Leslie Sue, was born on April 5, 1958. After almost three years in Okinawa, he was stationed at Sheppard Air Base in Texas. It was there that their third daughter, Susan Kay, was born on November 27, 1960.

His father wanted Jim to join him at his business in Bismarck, so he received his honorable discharge as Captain and the family moved to Bismarck. His father passed away a few months later and Jim was left to run the business, Lignite Combustion Engineering Corporation. After a few years, he partnered with two men and the company became Industrial Contractors.

Jim was active in Toastmasters, Rotary, Professional Engineers, PTA’s, bridge and dance class. He taught Sunday School and belonged to a bible study group. His Savior was a very important part of his life.

During this time, his daughters grew up and the family had a summer home at Lake Tschida. Many hours were spent watching his daughters water ski and perform with the Heart Butte Water Ski Club. He had a small Dolphin sailboat that he and Sue sailed in the Regattas. He was also a pilot and had a plane name “Old Comanche.”

As retirement grew closer, they spent wintertime in Estero, Florida. Jim had a “hole-in-one” on a beautiful Florida golf course. They traveled extensively in their motor home – touching all forty-eight states.  James and June were especially grateful to have celebrated 70 years of marriage.

He leaves his loving wife, June; daughters, Vicki Gohring and Susan Pudwill (Timothy); son-in-law, Mitch Rose. They had 10 grandchildren. Angela Stransky, Kristina Rose, LeTrisha Robinett, Alicia Rose, and Austin Rose: Joshua Gohring, Justine Rubin, Jonessa Kizanis: Klarissa, and Karsten Pudwill. 11 great-grandchildren, Damon, Landon, and Preston Morris: Brooklyn and Dylan Stransky: Chase Robinett: Max, Leo, and Mila Rubin: Oliver and Ezra Kizanis. These children have brought so much joy to the lives of Jim and June.

He was preceded in death by his parents, C.C. Larsen, and Marie Larsen Kidder; his daughter Leslie Rose and son-in-law, Wayne Gohring; mother-in-law, Evva Anderson and four sisters, Jeanne Winter, Dorothy Harris, Patty Lidstrom, and Mary Ann Keller.

Jim – Help Leslie keep the lights on in the mansion – 

I’ll be coming…