James M. Larson, age 69 of Monroe, died Tuesday, July 29, 2008 from a short courageous battle with melanoma. He was born on February 26, 1939 in Northfield, WI, the son of Palmer and Mamie (Torpen) Larson. He was a graduate of LaCrosse State College. He married Carol Mattson on October 12, 1956 in Pigeon Falls, WI. James was a Drivers Ed teacher in Monroe for 30 years and later worked part time at ShopKo. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association. Jim was an avid Packer, Badger and NASCAR race fan. Any wedding would find Jim dancing the polka until "charlie horses" kept him awake all night.

Surviving are his daughters, Joyce Larson, Monroe, Teresa (Jim) Dickman, Redington Shores, Fla.; sons, James T. (Nancy) Larson, Tomah, Craig A. (Lisa) Larson, Appleton; brothers, Junior (Helen) Larson, Janesville, Curt (Mary) Larson, Janesville; sister, Mary Jane (Jack) Kleba, Hixton, Wis.; grandchildren, Stewart and Jeremy Larson, Amanda, Kyle and Kristen Larson, McKenzie and Connor Larson and Cali Dickman; and special friend, Sandy McKay.

He was predeceased by his parents, Palmer and Mamie, and wife, Carol.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2008 at Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe, with the Rev. John Tabaka and the Rev. Ronald Massen officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at SHRINER-HAGER-GOHLKE FUNERAL HOME, Monroe.

A memorial fund is being established in Jim's memory.