James Robert Larsen passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on November 22, 2024, with his wife by his side, and loving family and friends nearby.

James was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Gladys and Alfred Larsen. Jim had 2 older brothers, and his father died when Jim was 14 years old. Jim graduated from Minnehaha Academy and attended the University of Minnesota and played linebacker for the Gophers. He was drafted into Vietnam War and served in a special intelligence division. James returned home from the war and started his career in Minneapolis as a bar and restaurant salesman.

Fifty years ago in MN, he met the love of his life, Lynda Shepard and they have been married for 49 years. They moved to California together and fell in love with all CA had to offer, which included skiing, ocean activities, nice weather and the diversity of people. Living in the bay area, their house was often a destination visit. Jim being knowledgeable of San Francisco had set “tours” for family and friends. He also earned the nickname of “Larskoni” from his friends in the Italian North Beach section of San Francisco. Jim and Lynda loved to travel both in CA and outside the USA. They enjoyed many trips with their closest and lifelong friends, the Huggins (Duffy, Joey, their godson-Nathan and Isadora).

At age 50, while battling cancer, he started his own business, called Larsen Construction, which resulted in many happy clients and friends. Part of his success was due to working with craftsmen Jarek Wyeglowski and Janusz Kulik. Jim was a true gentleman and had a kind heart. His manners and sense of style were impeccable. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing in MN and Key West. 

Uncle Jim and Auntie Lynda were wonderfully involved and committed to their nieces and nephews, multiple godchildren, and Kelloway's foreign exchange son, Igor.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother Doug. He is survived by his brother Richard (and several nieces and nephews), his loving wife Lynda Larsen and her family; sister, Margie and Terry Heckel, Luke, Stephanie and Olive Heckel, Tessa, Brett and Boedy Wetzel; sister, Judy and David Kelloway, Claire and Jack Kelloway Noble and James (his namesake) Kelloway; and godson, Nathan Huggins. 

The family thanks those who supported Jim through his cancer journey including the Stanford MDs, David Terris, Harlon Pinto and their teams. They also want to thank his friend and internist, Phillip O’Keefe and the team at Bunkee CMPC.

Jim will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. The services and Celebration of his life will be set later. 

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