Longtime resident of Oakdale, James Arlan Larsen, 70, passed away suddenly.

Jim lived 65 years in Oakdale, CA. After graduating from Oakdale High School in 1974, he left Oakdale and went to Phoenix, Arizona, where he attended trade school for heating and air conditioning. He also obtained his contractor’s and pilot license. Upon returning to Oakdale, he taught heating and air condition classes. He accomplished all of this by age of 25. He was always an overachiever.

Jim is survived by his son James L. Larsen (Noemi), two grandchildren (Robby and Emma), all of Modesto. He leaves behind his sisters, Nena Conrad of Modesto, Arlene Huff (Joe) of Arizona and Wendy Flieger of Oakdale.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving mother Naomi Lee Carter (Don), father Arlan Larsen (Fran), stepfather, Jack Flieger, brother-in-law, Robert L. Conrad, niece, Brooke Lauren Conrad.

In later years Jim struggled with mental illness which kept him isolated from friends and family. I wish to thank all the kind people, friends, family, strangers, merchants that have stepped forward during the dark times of his illness. Again, I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. Please remember Jim in your prayers and all the happier days with him. God Bless.

May you now rest in peace my dear sweet brother.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

The Riverbank (Calif.) News

March 11, 2026