Memorial
James A. Larison, 92, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at Linn Manor Care Center in Marion.
A funeral service celebrating James’ life will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, June 17, 2017 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with Cedar Memorial Celebrant Jim Parton officiating. Burial with military rites will be held in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Friday, June 16, 2017 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories Stateroom where a Masonic service will begin at 7:00 pm.
Survivors include his children, Dennis (Julie) Larison of Elizabethtown, PA, John (Shawnna) Larison of Marion, Karen Larison of West Branch, Douglas (Laura) Larison of Cedar Rapids, Kimberly Larison (Ryan Bettcher) of Des Moines; eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Betty in 2015, sisters Marjorie Larison and Dorothy Perry and a brother, Duane (Tommy) Larison.
James was born June 6, 1925 in rural Taylor County, Iowa the son of Elmer & Thena (Prather) Larison. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a radioman at Admiral Nimitz’s Pacific Fleet Headquarters in Hawaii. On August 14, 1946, he was married to Betty Lois Davidson in Maryville, MO. Together, Betty and James farmed for thirteen years in southwest Iowa before moving to Cedar Rapids. James worked at Collins Radio from 1960-1971 and then General Mills from 1971-1990. James was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge, also enjoyed bowling, golfing, woodworking, crossword puzzles, playing pool with his grandchildren and friend Dwayne, and card playing (pinochle and bridge). He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be given in his name to the Masonic Library in Cedar Rapids.