Dr. James Lionel Larson

James Larson, M.D. passed away on September 10, two days after his 81st birthday. He died at home surrounded by his wife, Lanah Wright Larson, his son, James L. Larson Jr M.D., his daughter-in-law, Dr. Cinnamon Larson and his devoted caregiver, Hilarie Labatte. Dr. Larson was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois and graduated from Loyola Medical School in Chicago. James served ten years as a Psychiatrist in the US Navy at the Naval Base in Jacksonville, FL and retired with the rank of Commander. Many local people may only know him as FISH DR because of his license plate which declared his love and luck fishing.

Jim was one of six children born to Jack L. Larson, DDS and Rosemary Degnan Larson. Siblings include Jeffrey Larson, Rosemary Larson Page/Harry Page, Jeri Larson Ray, John Larson/Jah Larson and Joni Larson Hughes/Tim Hughes. He leaves behind three sons, James L. Larson Jr. MD/Dr. Cinnamon Larson, Eric J. Larson MD/Amanda Larson MD and Zack R. Larson MA/Zaira Soto.

Grandchildren include Audrey Larson Grant/Alex Grant, Parker Larson, Jack Larson, Luke Larson, Adam Larson Robak, DO/Kortney Robak, Reece Larson, and one Great Grandchild, June Germain Grant who parents made sure she got to meet her Great Grandfather twice in her young life.

The Larson Family reunions made sure the children of Jim’s brothers and sisters got to know and experience good times with Uncle Jim fishing and listening to some of his scary stories. I am positive that Jim would want me to also mention the former soups who were or are still part of our family.

As a longtime resident of Orange Park, FL he set up his practice there. Dr. Larson was instrumental in obtaining authorization for Psychiatric beds at Orange Park Hospital, the first in-patient care center in Clay County. He was chairman of the Department of Psychiatry for many years. He also served on several Hospital Boards including the all-important Ethics Board. In addition to extended hours in his private practice, he served as long time Medical Director of Clay County Behavioral Health Center seeing patients and educating staff every Wednesday. Dr. Larson is also credited with starting a program at the Clay County Jail in which he evaluated inmates, prescribed psychiatric medication and brokered a program to provide medications at no cost to the patients. Physicians in North Florida and South Georgia will remember Dr. Larson for the education lectures and “pearls of wisdom” he loved sharing during his 40years of private practice.

Services for Dr. Larson will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 1:00pm at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd Jacksonville, FL 32218. There will be a brief presentation of the Naval Color Guard and presentation of the flag, then I invite you to share any words or thoughts you would like to. You are invited to the Larson home following the services.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your Community Hospice Center 877-699-7300 or your choice of local Mental Health Program.