James Richard Larr

James Larr was a man cut from a different cloth, in a different era, a tough man, an outdoorsman, and a family man. He faced his share of challenges in his life, yet always shouldered his burdens without complaint. He was a loyal brother, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a friend to so many. Most of all, James was a man you were proud to say you knew. James' story began on a cool spring day in 1944, in the shoreline city of Muskegon, Michigan. Those were such difficult times around the globe, as the terrible battles of World War II raged overseas, and the hardships continued here at home. Yet on March 16, 1944, James and Katherine (Hammert) Larr found reason to celebrate, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named James Richard Larr. James was the middle child in the family's Muskegon home, joining older brother Dan, eight years his senior, and younger sister Rosemary, who followed two years later. His father was raised in Ludington and worked at the Campbell, Wyant & Cannon Foundry, while his mother was a native of the Custer/Scottville area and took care of the kids. James led a typical childhood in Muskegon, running around with his friends, and earned extra spending cash from a paper route. He also developed a love for the outdoors, which became a lifelong passion for him. James also found a love for cars, for making them run, and particularly running fast. After he graduated from Muskegon High School, James bought a blazing fast 1962 Chevy Bel Aire, which he loved to take drag racing, as was so popular in those days. He worked at various service stations, and was a natural "grease monkey." His older brother Daniel once tried unsuccessfully to make him a truck driver. Life changed for James one day, when a mutual friend set him up on a blind date with a beautiful young woman named Sally Hollenbeck. Their friend proved to be a great matchmaker, and they really hit it off and began dating. After one of their dates, James dropped Sally off at home, only to be involved in a terrible car crash not long after. He nearly died that day, and had Sally been with him, she surely would have. James survived, and so did his love with Sally. They enjoyed each other, and loved making the circuit of the drive-ins, first the A and then the movies. After a year of dating, they were married. The newlyweds lived in Grand Rapids for a year, before returning to Muskegon, where James became custodian at Muskegon Community College. It was a good job, and a great place to work, too, and where James would work for more than 20 years. James and Sally enjoyed going camping together when they were first married, as well as after they became parents. James loved becoming a father, and was so proud of his children. He was a very loving dad, so patient and slow to anger, and was never the disciplinarian in the family - he left that up to Sally. James worked very hard to provide for his family, coming home from MCC to eat supper, take a short nap, and then go work at a gas station, so when he was with his kids, he wanted to make the most of his time. The family went camping a lot together, in St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie, and elsewhere in the North Country. James always found time for his hunting and fishing, too. Every year he spent the first 10 days of deer season up north with the guys. James always got a deer, it seemed, though he didn't care for venison, so he gave away his prize, content with the thrill of the experience. Sally never failed to send the boys up north with a huge supply of her homemade spaghetti sauce, too. One year, he got more "thrills" than he bargained for. The guys took shelter from the rain, and put their rifles under the truck. Dan decided it would be safer to remove the shells, and ended up shooting a hole in James' truck by mistake! Dan never heard the end of it, either! James was a friendly, social guy, and loved to get together with his friends and play cribbage, or just shoot the breeze. He was quiet, but talkative, opinionated and had a great sense of humor, too. He could keep telemarketers on the line endlessly! Most of all, he loved his family, of course. He and his beloved Sally enjoyed going to flea markets together, or just spending time together. When his grandchildren arrived, he was so thrilled, and enjoyed patiently playing with them, always wanting to do more with them. The entire family always got together for the holidays, and James especially loved Thanksgiving at his mother-in-law's house, a laid-back time of great food and family. Sadly, James had diabetes, which slowed him down some. He lost a leg in 1989, though he was determined to keep the same pace of living, and even learned to drive his Ford F-150 "Old Blue" using his prosthesis. Later he bought a smaller truck, making it easier. He lost his second leg in 1992, making him wheelchair bound. Rather than let his condition beat him, James kept his spirits up, joking with his nurses to put them at ease. His family took him on a wonderful fishing excursion to Gross Park on Crockery Lake, which has handicapped facilities, a trip that was so special to him. James loved to reminisce about the good ol' days, so having a great new memory was so precious to him. Sadly, James developed an aneurysm near his heart, and was admitted to the hospital. Daniel was there at the same time, also with diabetes and a heart condition. The doctors told James he didn't have many options, and surgery could kill him or leave him paralyzed. He died Monday, March 19, 2007, from a burst aneurysm. James was a hardworking, loving family man, who lived his life as his own man, as well. He faced many challenges, yet his spirit always triumphed. He was a loyal brother, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, a tough man and an outdoorsman. Most of all, James was always a good man, a man we were so lucky to say we knew. He will be greatly missed. Mr. James Larr, age 63, died Monday, March 19, 2007. He was born in Muskegon, MI on March 16, 1944 to James V. & Katherine (Hammett) Larr and married the former Sally Hollenbeck on April 2, 1966. Mr. Larr had been employed as a custodian at Muskegon Community College for 20 years. He was a member of Moose Lodge. James was affectionately known as the 'Mayor of 144th Ave' who enjoyed visiting neighbors, riding his John Deere tractor, fishing, hunting and spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. Mr . Larr is survived by his wife, Sally; 2 daughters, Trisha (Mark) McClure of Fruitport, Tara (Rich) Schaub of Spring Lake; 7 grandchildren, Cassandra, Lynsey, Keith, Dustin, Dylan, Julia and Austin; brother, Daniel (Jean) Larr of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Brenden and sister, Rosemary Benham. A service for Mr. Larr was held on Friday, March 23, 2007, 11:00 AM at Fruitport Congregational U.C.C. with Rev. Don Wood officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery. Visitation was on Wednesday, 2-4 & 6-9 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport. MEMORIAL: Contributions may be made to the family. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.