Pastor Jim Larson, age 83, a longtime minister in the Skagit Valley passed away Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. He was born September 26, 1921 in Groton, South Dakota the son of Oscar and Jeanette Larson. Jim grew up in Brown County, South Dakota attending school and later attended Simpson Bible College in Seattle where he met his ‘Sweetheart for Life’ Esther Lucile Stotts. They were united in marriage in Hood River, OR on August 6, 1944 and they celebrated 57 years of marriage until her passing in March of 2002.
From 1945 to 1952, they made their home in Salem, OR where together the ministered God’s Word. In 1952, they moved to Bellingham, WA where they organized and maintained Sunday Schools and related ministries for the American Sunday School Union, later to become the American Missionary Fellowship throughout Whatcom, Island, and Skagit Counties. In 1984, they moved to Sedro-Woolley to be closer to their eastern Skagit County congregations which included the Wildwood Chapel. Prior to entering the ministry, he worked at a print shop in Salem, OR learning the printing business. He later operated his own printing business ‘Jim’s Hobby Press.’
Jim is survived by his two daughters and sons-in-law, Charlotte and Paul Furchert of Sedro-Woolley, WA and Barbara and Stephen Thompson of Mill Creek, WA. Three grandchildren Natalie Storkson and James and Kimberly Furchert and 3 great grandchildren. A brother Floyd Larson of Salem, OR and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Clarence and Harvey and two sisters Ruby Nelson and Jean Scott.
Memorial Services will be held Sunday, January 16, 2005 at 2:00PM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley with Pastors Gordon Anderson and Duane Stixrud of the American Missionary Fellowship officiating. Private Graveside Services will follow on Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, January 15th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Lemley Chapel. Memorials are suggested to American Missionary Fellowship Retirement Fund PO Box 758 Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.