James Larson, age 83, died Sunday, October 2, 2016 at the MS State Veterans Home in Oxford, MS. He was born August 10, 1933 in Water Valley, MS to the late James E. and Janie Hunt Larson. James attended NWCC where he played football in 1953 and 1954. While attending the University of MS he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and earned his degree in Business Administration. After completing his service in the United States Army, James worked in the Grocery Business for over 60 years, as an owner and operator of the Larson’s Grocery stores. He was an avid Ole Miss Rebel Fan and a member of the UMAA, and never missed a game until his health declined. James was an avid golfer and part of the winning team of the 1984 Danny Thomas Memphis Classics with professional golfer, Jerry Pate. He was a member of First Methodist Church of Water Valley where he served as a member of the Administrative Board, a past President of the Yalobusha Country Club, and a member of the Board of Directors at Yalobusha General Hospital.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home in Water Valley, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 6, 2016 in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Rev. Barry Dickerson and Rev. Allen McGraw officiating. Burial will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley.
James is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ann Carter Larson of Water Valley, MS; two sons, Don (Alison) Larson of Water Valley, MS and Keith (Dawn) Larson of Oxford, MS; his sister, Jane (Tom) Ricketts of Memphis, TN; two brothers, Bill (Wanda) Larson and Joe Larson, all of Oxford, MS; four grandchildren, Barrett Larson, Avery Larson, Anna Mathis Larson, and Hays Larson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Joy Ann Larson.