1929
James
2011
James Gordon Larson
August 27, 1929 — October 17, 2011
James (Jim) Gordon Larson, 82, a retired long-time business man and real estate manager from Shelby, passed away Monday, October 17, 2011. Visitation is Thursday, October 20, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Whitted Funeral Chapel. Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 21, at the Shelby Community United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. A reception will follow at the church. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Opal Larson of Shelby; daughters, Gayle (Bob) Moon of Helena; Wendy Chuckran of Denver, Colorado and Sandra (Paul) Steiner of Shelby; sister, Ruth Mankin of Lewes, Delaware; six grandchildren - Allison and Ashley Moon, Anna and Brian Chuckran, Marie and Kevin Steiner and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Allan.
Jim was born August 27, 1929 in Shelby to Roy E. and Leila V. (McCartney) Larson. Upon graduation from Shelby High in 1947, he joined his Dad as partner in managing Larson Clothing Company, a men’s clothing store. In 1950, his Marine Corps Reserve unit was activated to Japan during the Korean Conflict. Discharged in 1952, Jim returned home to rejoin the family business operations with his Dad and Uncle Ray. On January 31, 1953 he married Opal Martinson in Kalispell. In 1969, he and his brother Allan bought Larson’s Toggery in Conrad. Ten years later, he opened the Jim Larson for Men store in Cut Bank. Eventually, both stores were closed. Jim maintained the Shelby location until 1993, when his daughter and son-in-law, Paul and Sandra Steiner, took over the family business.
Jim was very civic minded. For 38 years, he served as member and past President of the Marias River Electric Board and the Toole County Airport Commission. He was an active member of the Methodist Church, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, (Jaycees), Shelby Chamber of Commerce, Shelby Elk’s Lodge, VFW, American Legion, Marine Corp League, Capital Enterprises investment club and the Marias River Golf and Country Club. Professionally, he was Past President of the Montana Retailers Association and Past Regional Vice-President of the Men’s Wear Retailers of America.
As a young man, Jim was an avid ham radio operator talking to people all over the world. He loved being with his family, playing golf (although not very well), reading newspapers and magazines, watching MSU football games and relaxing at his Whitefish cabin.
Memorials may be sent to Shelby United Methodist Church, 235 4th Ave. So., Shelby, MT 59474 or donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Opal Larson of Shelby; daughters, Gayle (Bob) Moon of Helena; Wendy Chuckran of Denver, Colorado and Sandra (Paul) Steiner of Shelby; sister, Ruth Mankin of Lewes, Delaware; six grandchildren - Allison and Ashley Moon, Anna and Brian Chuckran, Marie and Kevin Steiner and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Allan.
Jim was born August 27, 1929 in Shelby to Roy E. and Leila V. (McCartney) Larson. Upon graduation from Shelby High in 1947, he joined his Dad as partner in managing Larson Clothing Company, a men’s clothing store. In 1950, his Marine Corps Reserve unit was activated to Japan during the Korean Conflict. Discharged in 1952, Jim returned home to rejoin the family business operations with his Dad and Uncle Ray. On January 31, 1953 he married Opal Martinson in Kalispell. In 1969, he and his brother Allan bought Larson’s Toggery in Conrad. Ten years later, he opened the Jim Larson for Men store in Cut Bank. Eventually, both stores were closed. Jim maintained the Shelby location until 1993, when his daughter and son-in-law, Paul and Sandra Steiner, took over the family business.
Jim was very civic minded. For 38 years, he served as member and past President of the Marias River Electric Board and the Toole County Airport Commission. He was an active member of the Methodist Church, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, (Jaycees), Shelby Chamber of Commerce, Shelby Elk’s Lodge, VFW, American Legion, Marine Corp League, Capital Enterprises investment club and the Marias River Golf and Country Club. Professionally, he was Past President of the Montana Retailers Association and Past Regional Vice-President of the Men’s Wear Retailers of America.
As a young man, Jim was an avid ham radio operator talking to people all over the world. He loved being with his family, playing golf (although not very well), reading newspapers and magazines, watching MSU football games and relaxing at his Whitefish cabin.
Memorials may be sent to Shelby United Methodist Church, 235 4th Ave. So., Shelby, MT 59474 or donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
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