LARSON, James Emery "Swede"

bluemountaineagle.com Nov 14, 2012 James Emery “Swede” Larson died Nov. 9 in Milton-Freewater at his daughter’s home, after a battle with illness. He was 74. A graveside funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Canyon City Cemetery in Canyon City. A celebration of life will be held after the service at the John Day Elks Lodge, and the family invites all to attend. He was born Feb. 15, 1938, in Burns to Harold and Sylvia Larson. He graduated from Burns High School and joined the Oregon State Police as a second-generation state trooper. He first worked in The Dalles office and served in the National Guard for a time before returning to the OSP and then transferring to the agency’s Pendleton office. In 1968, he transferred to the OSP John Day Outpost. While in Pendleton, in 1966, he married Meredith “Duffy” Larson, with whom he had three children. After 16 years with the OSP, Mr. Larson went to work at Hines Lumber in Seneca. In 1982, he returned to policework as a patrol officer for the John Day Police Department. He was promoted to chief of police in 1990 and served as chief for 11 years. He retired with full honors in 2001. In his career with the city police, he received eight letters of commendation and one life-saving award. After retiring he enjoyed camping and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Meredith Larson of Mt. Vernon; daughters, Robin Delano of Canyon City, Stephanie Brown and Jodi Kimball of Milton-Freewater; sister, Connie Erickson of The Dalles; and grandchildren, Brian Delano, Nathan Delano, Donavan Smith, Joshua Brown, Andrea Brown, Kirk Brown, Meghan Kimball and Seth Kimball.