James Larson

James E. Larson passed into eternal life July 2, 2010, at the Brecksville VA Facility, where he had received excellent care since 2007.He was the only child of Edward J. and Gertrude (Denman) Larson, born at home July 26, 1920, in Amherst.After graduating from Amherst High School, he attended the University of Michigan and worked in the summer on Drummond Island in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A World War II veteran, he served in the European campaign and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. Jim received European-African-Middle Easter Ribbon with two bronze stars. He also received the Purple Heart for being wounded in action.He returned to Cleveland and attended Case University, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering.In 1948, he married Janeth Winter and began his career at Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company. He retired as the plant manager of Lake Shore Power Plant in 1982, after an enjoyable career.He and Janeth had resided in Chardon since 1958. Jim was an active member in the Boy Scouts along with his son, having served on the council and attended many spring break camping trips to Shenandoah National Park. He was also a founding member of the Sugar Bush Kennel Club, where he served as president for several years.Along with a membership to the YMCA, Jim was very active as a swimmer and runner. Upon their retirement, Jim and Janeth started an antique business which allowed them to do what they were passionate about: traveling around the country, buying and selling antiques, and making numerous friends. Family was very important to Jim. He enjoyed summer camping trips and spending time with his family especially his grandchildren at home in the pool.”Our father had a kind heart and a great sense of humor and was known for his jocularity and silly puns. His hobbies included astronomy, cars (particularly his sports cars), reading, hiking, and collecting.”Jim is survived by his wife, Janeth Larson; son, David Larson of Chardon; daughters, Pamela Larson of Clearwater, Fla., Lee Anne (Jim) Sundberg of Ishpeming, Mich., and Rebecca (Howard) Herrick of Chardon; six grandchildren, Benjamin (Leah) Larson, Erin (Patrick) Sullivan, Joslyn (Gorden) Todd, Jennifer (Kenneth) Heikkila, Kristine Herrick and Michael Herrick; and three great-grandchildren, Samantha, Molly and Brooklyn Todd.Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2010, at the Burr Funeral Home 116 South Street, (Route 44, 500 feet south of Route 6/Chardon Square), Chardon.The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home. Deacon Larry Somrack of St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Newbury will officiate services. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, 8114 Cemetery Road, Vermilion.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cleveland Alzheimer’s Association, 23215 Commerce Park Drive, Suite 300, Beachwood, OH 44122.