James Starr Larson, 65, of Reading, Massachusetts passed away June 25, 2024 ending his battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
James was born on January 9th, 1959, to Milton and Patricia (Starr) Larson, in Miami, Florida.
James attended and graduated from Framingham (North) High School in June 1977. He went on to graduate from Norwich University in May 1981; where he was active in the Corps of Cadets and a member of the Honor Committee. James received a Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) degree from Oklahoma City University while serving in the U.S. Air Force.
Commissioned upon college graduation into the ranks as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in May 1981. Served full-time in the U.S. Air Force and (New York) Air National Guard as an Air Weapons Controller, Air Weapons Director, and Air Battle Manager beginning August 4th, 1981. Served in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1991 aboard Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on November 1st, 2004.
As Air Battle Manager in the U.S. Air Force; his experience includes performing as a Tactics and Training officer during the Persian Gulf War. He received numerous awards and decorations for superior performance at multiple locations, as well as for tactics, training, and operational contributions made during the Cold War and the Persian Gulf War.
After military service, James worked full-time for General Dynamics Information Technology as a Command, Control, and Communications Subject Matter Expert, Project Manager, and Program Manager from November 2005 until June 2011.
James is survived by his children: Stephanie (Joshua) Watson and Sarah (Thomas) McCann; and grandchildren: Evelyn Watson, Gabriel Watson, Skylar McCann, and Ellie McCann. His loved ones remember his loyalty, hard working nature and quick wit.
James’ loved ones kindly request any memories, stories, or photos about James be sent to [email protected] .
Honoring his generous wish, organ and tissue were donated to Mass General ALS Clinical Research. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mass General Hospital, where James donated to help further research in to ALS: https://giving.massgeneral.org/ in his honor.
A service honoring the life of James will be held at Norwich University Cemetery on October 3, 2024 at 0930 (9:30 am).