James "Jim" Harold Larson

James (Jim) Harold Larson quietly left this earth on July 22, 2026. He was born October 29, 1940, in Grand Forks, ND to Harry and Agnes (Ulvestad) Larson.

He grew up in the Grand Cities, graduating from Central High School, attending University of North Dakota (UND) and enlisting in the US Army, where he held various duties. The time he spent in Okinawa, Japan was a highlight for Dad.

Jim married Alice Erickson in June 1965, and they settled into married student housing in UND where they made and continued many friendships. He graduated with bachelor's and master’s degrees. Jim continued his education at the University of Kentucky, earning his PhD in criminology in Lexington, KY.

Jim taught at the University of North Dakota for 30+ years and won an American Council on Education Fellowship in 1987. After experiencing different leadership roles, he returned to UND to teach; during that time, he and Alice moved to Moss, Norway for a semester, so Dad could teach at UND’s partner school, the American College of Norway. He retired from UND in 2006 as Professor Emeritus; however, teaching was still in his blood, so he continued to lecture part-time at the University of Minnesota, Crookston.

Dad loved trains. If he could hear a whistle blow, he was headed toward it. He chased, photographed, researched, rode, wrote about and could talk endlessly about trains; it was a connection to the father he’d lost too young and Dad nourished it. Riding the rails, he established strong friendships and met people from all over that enhanced his life. He was a proud, dedicated member of the Great Northern Railway Historical Society.

Jim is survived by two daughters Pam (Mike) Daly and Christine (Ståle) Årdal, one very precious and adored granddaughter Maria Årdal, one sister-in-law Jan (Gene) Hetletved, two godsons Don and Clint, and many nieces and nephews.

Dad was welcomed into heaven by Alice, his parents, aunts and uncles, and many special dogs.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family directs donations to Riverfront on Main in Pelican Rapids or Vivie Hospice, both of whom provided outstanding, loving care to Dad.