James Robert Larsen (1954-2022) Obituary and Memorial

Life story

James R. "Jim" Larsen, age 68, departed peacefully on Wednesday, September 21, 2022; which is surprising as those who knew him found him to be quite a talker and open to any juicy bits of news or gossip. Jim was in the presence of his family who loved him beyond measure.

Jim was born on January 13, 1954, in Burley, Idaho to Robert and Louise Larsen (Karstad). Jim was raised in Burley and Paul, Idaho where on the first day of elementary school, he believed the first day was satisfactory for education and decided he didn't need to go back a second day. As this was not an option from his parent's, he ultimately graduated from Minico High School, attended Utah Technical College, and Idaho State University where Jim learned about electrician technology.

In 1977, Jim was happily married to his wife, Linda McCray, of almost 45 years. Linda couldn't resist his charms and say no to him because, yet again, "he talked a lot". The couple moved to Oregon the day after their wedding where Jim started his job at Tektronix where he worked for over 40 years in many roles.

Jim loved spending time with his immediate and extended family, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, camping, traveling, chocolate, making people laugh, road trips, concerts, woodworking, tinkering on small projects, BBQ food, 70's shows, music, Star Wars, Star Trek, and all things geeky.

He was loved dearly and will be missed fiercely.

Jim is survived by his wife Linda, his daughters Melody McCray (Ross Bjerke), Jennifer Knuth (Aaron), grandchildren Harper and Liam Knuth, sister Carol Moore (Todd), and brother and sister-in-law's who truly felt like his own blood siblings: Ray McCray (Kari), Ramona Mong, Eddy McCray, Darlene Biggins (Ed), Jerry McCray (Frances), Lloyd McCray (Lisa), Diane Garcia (Otis Garcia), Scott McCray (Misty), and numerous nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces that he truly cared about and loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Louise Larsen, his Grandmother Elizabeth Henwood, In-Laws who he thought of as another set of parents, Kee and Rita McCray two brother in-laws Tim Mong and Jess Kemsley.

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