LARSON, Jefferson Joseph (Jeff)

Bunker Family Funeral & Cremation, Mesa, Arizona Jefferson Joseph Larson December 1, 1921 ~ June 18, 2012 Jefferson Joseph Larson passed away peacefully on June 18, 2012, surrounded by family. He was 90 years old. Jeff was born on December 1, 1921, in Lakeside, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Augusta (“Gussie”), and siblings, Corwin, Rolf and Jeanne Earl. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Alice Joy, five children, Mark (Melanie), Kay Lynn McDonald, Kristan Landry (Rick), Julie Walker (Scott), Michael (Beth), 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jeff proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he taught in Germany for three years. After a stint as a surveyor on the Colorado River, he moved to the Valley in 1956, where he met and fell in love with Alice Joy Clifford. They were married in 1958. Jeff obtained a B.A. in Math Education from the University of Arizona and an M.A. in Mathematics from Arizona State University. He also received officer training at Harvard University during his time in the military. Jeff taught math in the Scottsdale School District for over 30 years, primarily at Arcadia High School, where he was the long-time head of the Math Department and a valued mentor to several generations of students. During the summer months, he would return to the place he truly loved, the White Mountains of Arizona, where he spent time managing and developing the Larson family land holdings. Jeff was an active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jeff valued the simple pleasures in life, including the outdoors, sailing, dancing, singing and socializing with friends and family. A viewing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the Bunker's University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Val Vista Stake Center, 1005 N. Voyager, in Gilbert. Burial will follow at 4 p.m. at the Lakeside Cemetery, 1265 Larson Road, in Lakeside. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Larson Memorial Public Library, 1595 Johnson Drive, Lakeside, AZ 85929 (928) 368-6688. The family wishes to thank Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care.