James Ray Larson

James Ray Larson, age 75, of Whitehall, died on Friday, July 31, 2026 in the
Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls.
Jim was born on March 30, 1951 in Whitehall to Wallace “Doc” and Grace
(Hanson) Larson.
Jim worked all of his life. Starting at a young age of about five, he loaded his
wagon with cow pies and fertilized the local banker’s yard in Pigeon Falls. The
Larson family moved to Whitehall where Jim had a paper route. He delivered
hundreds of papers a day on his bike in all of kinds of weather. He was very
proud and dedicated to that job and every job he had after that.
During his high school days, Jim worked for Abner Thompson and Sid Peterson
and also caddied for Pete Paulson for 25 cents. In his senior year, he worked
nights at the Whitehall Packing Company.
Jim graduated from the Whitehall Memorial High School in 1970 and married
Patricia “Patti” Frei in 1972 who he met in the 1 st . grade. Jim and Pat worked
together having three bars in ten years and owned and drove their trucks for
thirty years. Jim finally retired in 2017. Up to his last day, he talked about
driving truck.
Jim enjoyed going out and visiting with friends. Club Midway, Arctic Springs
and Watson’s were his favorites, meeting lots of good people and being good
friends with all.
Jim was one that would talk to everyone. Usually before he was done talking
with them he would know somebody that they knew or were related to.
“ We had many fun times together. I could write a book. But it was always
because we have so many good friends over the years. You rest now, Jim. We’ll
take the wheel from here. Love you always. Patti.”
Jim is survived by his wife, Pat; two nieces, Melody (Larson) Harding and Eric
(Larson) Cooper; in-laws, Jim and Lou Ellen Frei, Joe Frei, Charlie and Bev Frei,
Juli and Gary Nodby and Rick and Linda Frei; nieces, nephews, great-nieces,
great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Amy Larson; a
brother, Greg Larson; a brother-in-law, George Frei; a nephew, Mark Frei and
many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 11:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Whitehall-Pigeon Rod and Gun club in rural Whitehall.
The Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall is assisting the family with arrangements.