SPARTA - James E. Larvick, age 82, of Sparta, WI, went home to Heaven on March 21, 2024. He was born October 16, 1941, to Adolph and Alpha Larvick in Madison, Wisconsin.
Jim grew up in Black River Falls, a small town where he dressed in his own crazy sense of style, ate most of his meals in the Larvick family owned Adolph’s Café on Main Street, downtown BRF, and got into trouble with his high school friends, some of whom he remained friends with until the end. He graduated from BRF High School in 1960. He married his wife, Delores Mc Donald, in Kenosha on January 24, 1981. It was a rare, beautiful, warm day in the mid-60s, and each of them found their balance in the other, the person they were always meant to be with. They combined their families and purchased their first home in Kenosha.
Anyone who has ever come in contact with Jim will remember his deep, resonant voice. He will especially be remembered for his work in radio, his “first love.” He attended Brown Institute of Broadcast Journalism in Minneapolis, where he honed his “nose for news, voice for production, creative mind, and love for radio.” He worked in various radio stations over the years. In the 80s, he enjoyed covering sports and play-by-play for WGTD (Gateway Tech) radio. He was PA announcer for the Racine Gladiators (Raiders) semi-pro football team and emceed various sports banquets during his time in Kenosha. Jim also worked for American Motors, then Chrysler, in Kenosha, and then transferred to Kokomo, IN, where he retired in 2001. In 2002, Jim and Dee moved to Sparta to be close to family. He finished his radio career at Magnum Radio in Tomah where he reported the news until 2005.
Jim’s strong faith in God was an inspiration for those who knew him, and that faith has brought so many closer to God. Jim often went for long walks, spending time with God and praying to Him. If you ever passed by him on one of these walks, he likely asked God to lift you up and bless you. He never hesitated to drop everything and pray for anyone who might be in need, whether they were family, friends, acquaintances, or even strangers. Many of those closest to him have memories of him praying the Blessing from Numbers 4:24-26 over them, and he continued to do so until the end. Many dropped in to visit him before his passing, and Jim would pray over those who came, a blessing to everyone who spoke with him. His last words were a prayer and a blessing, saying “Journey’s mercy in Jesus’ name. I love you I love you I love you.” He died at home from prostate cancer, but we won’t say he lost the battle. He maintained his faith and gave thanks to God through to the end, and strengthened the faith of others along the way. He was victorious through Jesus Christ and has been brought to his true home in Heaven.
Jim is survived by his wife, Delores Larvick; children, Kim (Ryan) Shada of Pleasant Prairie, James S (Jeannie) Larvick of Winnemac, IN, Peggy Larvick of La Crosse, David Larvick of West Salem, and Kari (Bill) Flock of Sparta; sisters, Barbara Radke of Eau Claire and Kay Lynn (Dale) Leonard of Minneapolis; brother, Jeffrey (Mayra) Larvick of Panama; grandchildren, Charles (CJ) Truax of Colmen, Danielle (Lucas) Zahn of New Berlin, Krystal (Nathan) Hale of Kenosha, Jessica Shada of Kenosha, James (JC) Larvick and Trinity Larvick of Winnemac, IN, Joshua Kavalauskas of Tampa, FL, Julia Flock and Nathan Flock of Sparta; great grandchildren, Zeeten Truax and Naj Truax of Coleman. He was preceded in death by parents, Adolph and Alpha Larvick; brother, Kenneth Larvick; brother-in-law, Doug Radke; daughter, Jan Truax; grandson, Alex Truax; great-granddaughter, Sofie Delventhal. He is also survived by his good buddy and mother-in-law, Arlene Mc Donald.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024, 12:00pm at New Life Assembly of God Church, Sparta, WI. Jim’s brother, Jeff Larvick, will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation Thursday, March 28, 10:00am until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date in the Hilltop Rest Cemetery, Ontario, WI.
Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
