James C. LaRose

Ferndale James C. LaRose, age 83, passed away at home surrounded by family on Tue., May 13, 2014, after battling liver cancer. He was born Nov. 10, 1930 in St. Francis, MO, to Fred and Mary Viola (Link) LaRose. Jim joined the U.S. Navy in 1952, where he fought in the Korean War. During a short leave in 1954, he was introduced to Paula Matz, who would become the love of his life, and his wife of over 59 years. After graduating from the University of MO in 1959, Jim held teaching positions in Columbia, MO, and Forks, WA before joining the teaching staff in Ferndale. Except for 2 years working at Intalco in the mid-1960s, Jim spent his entire professional career as a teacher, vice principal, and business manager with the Ferndale School District. Jim was a strong supporter of the local schools, serving on many levy and bond committees. He enjoyed sports, especially baseball, and was an avid fan of Ferndale High School athletics. He volunteered in the scoreboard booth as the timekeeper at FHS football games for over 40 years. Jim also loved music, teaching himself to play the guitar and bass later in life. He eventually joined The Birds Creek Boys band, which performed at elderly care facilities, fairs, senior centers, and various other venues. Jim was a strong man of faith, ensuring that his 5 kids all knew Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. God first, family second, and work third were values he lived and taught by example his entire life. As a young boy, Jim went to Trinity Lutheran School (grades 1-9), in St. Louis, MO. After settling in Ferndale, he attended United Church of Christ and Cornerstone Community Church. Jim was a very kind and generous man who always seemed to have a joke to tell. One of his last stated desires was to be remembered as a truly good man. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tom LaRose and Bill LaRose, sister-in-law Mary LaRose, parents-in-law Paul and Marion Matz, and nephew Terry Lingbloom. He is survived by his wife Paula of the family home, sons Jim LaRose and Mike (Kathy) LaRose, daughters Lori (Jim) Kyllingmark, Kari (Kevin) Kyllingmark, Jodi (Dana) Seitz, grandsons Matt, Andy,and Randy (Shandi) Kyllingmark and Dylan Pollett, granddaughters Kim (Bryan) Donovan, Jessica and Kelsey Pollett, and Emily Kyllingmark, great-grandchildren Brooklynn and Tyler Donovan, Faythe Kassinger, in-laws Lindy/Carol Lingbloom, John/Linda Matz, Shirley LaRose, and numerous nieces and nephews. Farewell Tribute Information A memorial service will be held on Sat. June 14 at 4:00 PM at the Ferndale High School auditorium. A reception with refreshments will follow in the FHS cafeteria. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that memorials be made to the Ferndale High School athletic program.

James C. LaRose

November 10, 1930 - May 13, 2014