James "Jimmy" William Larson

Albany, NY-James “Jimmy” William Larson, 76, a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend to many, and retired Chief of the Albany Fire Department, entered Eternal Life Tuesday, April 16th, 2024. He left us surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Albany, Jim was the cherished son of James S. and Julia Quinn Larson. Chief Larson was appointed as a Fire Fighter in the Albany Fire Department in November of 1968, becoming a charter member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 2007, founded in 1970. His happiest days were riding the Rescue Squad as a firefighter, Lieutenant, and finally Captain. Jim rose through the ranks being appointed Deputy Chief in 1985 and then Chief of the Department in 1987, serving from that December to November 2000, serving under two mayors. After retirement, Jim’s truly best days became caring for his wife and family, especially his grandchildren who became his world, Jack, Sean, Matty, Brian, and Keira. Along with collecting numerous BBQ cookers, sharing his vast knowledge of restaurant kitchens, and inventing recipes, his competitive spirit was channeled into growing garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, and basil plants so large and flavorful that he would bring them to a local Italian import store in September of each year. His favorite time of year was when The Shed could be opened and many good hours and meals were spent in that labor of love that he constructed with his family and close friends. After Jim had to give up Budweiser, his love of Diet Coke only grew and grew. Jim’s life-long love of trains, both model scale and watching the trains at the Voorheesville crossing provided much joy to both he and his wife Molly. He was the beloved husband for 52 years of Molly Phinney Larson; loved and cherished father of James Arthur Larson, Christopher William Larson (Una) and the late Molly Quinn Duffy; father in law of Bernard Duffy; dear brother of Laura Tumonis (Joe), Lynn Quadrini (late Dennis) and the late Julia M. McManus (late Neil); he is survived by his grand children, many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and brotherhood of firefighters. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jim’s family Sunday, April 21, 2024, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Monday, Monday 22, 2024 at 10:30 am at the Parish of Mater Christi, Albany, NY where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY immediately following the Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, to honor Jim’s love of cooking and feeding his community, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s honor to The FOCUS Churches Food Pantry, 275 State St, Albany, NY.

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James "Jimmy" William Larson

November 19, 1947 - April 16, 2024