Contact Information

If you would like to contact the family, please call Cindy at 425-338-4812.

Uncle Jim's life story

Jim was born June 10th 1933 in Seattle, Washington to Lars Larsen and Jeanie Rae Anderson. He had 1 older brother Lars Thomas Larsen born in 1929. He lived in West Seattle and later on Queen Anne Hill. He attended St. Anne’s grade school. Jim’s parents both died when he was about 14 so he lived in a number of different foster homes. As a result, he also attended multiple local high schools including Odea, Queen Anne and Seattle Prep.

Jim had a great childhood. His parents had beach property on Bainbridge Island and he enjoyed many wonderful summers of sun and swimming. He worked as a soda jerk at Jay’s drugstore and also worked at Jacobson’s drugstore, both located on Queen Anne Hill. As most boys did, he also had a paper route. He delivered the Seattle Post Intelligencer (PI) on Queen Anne Hill. Jim participated in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts between the ages of 10 and 14. He received the rank of second class. While in Boy Scouts he attended Camp Parsons on Hood Canal. After his parents died, his foster parents made it difficult for him to stay him scouting.
Jim enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 and served in the Korean War aboard the vessel Frank E. Evan DD754. Since he did not graduate from any of the high schools, he received his GED while in the navy. Shortly after he joined, he earned the nickname “Swede”, even though he is of Danish descent. After the navy he worked odd jobs until in 1956, he became a Merchant Marine sailed the world’s oceans for over 30 years. He was an active member of the Sailors Union of the Pacific (SUP).
During his shore leaves Jim with very active with his many nieces and nephews. He took them on many day trips to explore at Fort Casey and swim at Martha Lake Resort to name a few. He also drove Hazel Pizzano’s family from Seattle to New York on at least 1 occasion. In the late 60’s he brought numerous Honda 90 motorcycles home from Japan (stowed away in his cabin on board the ships). These were used for high school transportation by some of his nephews.
Unfortunately, during his time in the Merchant Marine, he developed a drinking problem. But in 1982, he stopped drinking an recently received his 30 year sobriety medal. He displayed his medal proudly as this was quite an achievement for him to be sober for so many years.
After his retirement in 1979, he spent most of his time helping people. He was a well respected man and brought joy to many people. He was the most caring and giving man that we have known. He was happiest when he was doing something for someone and he didn't like it much when you tried to do something for him. He spent the last month in the hospital and that was very hard for him. He was used to being independent and not relying on anyone to do anything for him. He is at peace now

Jim “Swede” Larsen passed away on Friday, Sept 19, 2014 after a short battle with cancer.
Jim never married or had children, but leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who often looked up to him as a father.