James Alfred Laursen

On Tuesday, February 24, 2009, our husband, father, brother and friend, James A. 'Jim'? Laursen passed away following a valiant fight with cancer at the Johnson City Medical Center. With his wife, sons and future daughter-in-law with him, Jim left us with the same simple unassuming grace that he exemplified during his entire life. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, shooting, gold panning, motorcycling and his MOPAR cars. His adventurous life began on January 31, 1938 in Luck, Wisconsin born to Carl H. and Ella Helen Berg Laursen. He spent his youth in Rochester, Minnesota before joining the Army. Jim trained at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and became a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. His 40-year professional career took him to Montana and Tennessee where he dedicated his skills to helping his thousands of patients during difficult times. Jim worked up to the last two weeks of his life at a job he thoroughly loved. He was proud of his calling and was a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Jim met Karen 'Casey'? Irish in Butte, Montana. Together, they lived life to the fullest with her two sons Nate and Nolan Irish in the Treasure State and Johnson City. They traveled from coast to coast seeking out unique adventures. He is survived by his wife and sons. Nate is a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He lives outside of Camp Lajeune, in Cedar Point, North Carolina. Nolan is a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserve and is a senior at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Jim has two big brothers and their wives, Chuck and Dar Laursen of Minnetonka, Wisconsin and Wayne and Earlene Laursen of Rochester, Minnesota as well as a host of nieces and nephews that he cherished. He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Michael Laursen. Jims family will receive friends form10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2009 at St. Marys Catholic Church at 2211 E. Lakeview Drive in Johnson City. A memorial mass will follow at 11 a.m. Jims ashes will be returned to Lewistown, Montana later this year for burial. Memorials may be made in the form of contributions to: The American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Road, Suite 102, Johnson City, TN 37601. Online condolences are available at www.morrisbaker.com. In charge of arrangements: Morris '' Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37601 or (423) 282-1521.