James Larson, 63 lost his battle with cancer at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, on Saturday, September 6, 2008, surrounded by his three children and loving wife during his final moments. A memorial service for James will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2008 at the Mott Playhouse Theater, Mott. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Thursday.

James was born on July 22, 1945 the youngest child of Svend William Larson and Dorothea Lauretta Walheim in Elgin, ND. Jim graduated from Mott Lincoln High School in 1964. He began his career as an electrician with Berger Electric of Dickinson. He married Sharon Kay Carroll (whom he met on a blind date) on March 29, 1969 at the Methodist Church in Hettinger ND. Jim continued his career with Berger Electric until 1975, receiving his Master Electrician License in 1974. He moved his family to Mott and started Jim Larson Electric in 1975.

Jim was a member of the North Dakota National Guard from 1965 to 1969 and served in the “Zip to Zap” conflict.

Jim understood the importance of community involvement to help a community grow and prosper. Jim was first elected as a councilman for the city of Mott in 1980. He served the city of Mott for 28 years being last elected in June, 2008. During this time Jim helped the city perform multiple public works projects including utility replacements and street improvements. Jim was also involved in as many community organizations as would fit into his schedule and he felt needed his involvement. Over the past 33 years, he served on the Mott Visionary Committee, M.O.T.T. group, Hettinger County JDA, Mott Lions, Mott Evangelical Community Church, Mott Chamber of Commerce, and the Playhouse Theater board. He often held leadership positions within these organizations. Jim was always involved with community fundraising and was always ready to sell every hunter, visitor, and resident a raffle ticket.

Jim was an avid pheasant hunter who specially enjoyed the annual family pheasant hunt. He always enjoyed taking his puppies Gabe, Levi, Chief, and Mango for a run in the country.

Jim is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sharon; their three children, Jason (Elissia) Larson, Jeremy (Heidi) Larson, and Jakki Larson; three grandchildren; Travis, Tyler and Gwendolyn; three bothers Myron (Shirley), Vernon (Ramona), and Roger (Mary); many nieces and nephews; and his mother-in-law, Doris Bertsch.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, one niece, his father-in-law, and one brother-in-law. Jim, through his community involvements and leadership, will be missed throughout Hettinger County and in his home community of Mott, ND.