James Alfred Larson

James Alfred Larson, age 97, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, at Solvay Hospice House. He was born on July 16th, 1929 in Duluth, MN to Alfred and Vera (Funkhouser) Larson.

James attended Duluth Central High school before leaving early at the age of 16 to join the Navy as a Sea Bee, where he served for part of World War II. After his time with the navy he completed his GED and went to Technical School for 2 years. He then married the love of his life Cleo Royer on November 5th, 1949. From there he started working as a Design Engineer for Molines, where he ended up working for over 40 years.

Throughout Jim’s life he enjoyed many things some of them being, cooking, music, being with friends and family. He also really enjoyed everything outdoors, things like sailing, hunting and fishing, biking, camping, and even some motorcycle trips around the country with Cleo and friends.

Jim is proceeded in death by his wife of 65 years, Cleo; his parents; great-grandson Aaron Nathan Skafte, and great-great-granddaughter Leah Jo Lind.

Jim is survived by his children, David (Heather) Larson, Patty (Jack) Lind, Suzanne (Robert) Skafte, Sandy Flagstad, Janet (Eric) Skadsberg; 14 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

A memorial service will be held at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026 at 11am. A private family burial will follow.