Larry James "Jim" Little

Larry James "Jim" Little, or as he is more famously known in Osceola, "Hawkeye" or "Old Man River" passed away with his family by his side on the morning of April 24, 2021. Jim was born June 6, 1948 in Mishawaka, Indiana to the late Paul and Helen (Pyke) Little. He was a graduate of Penn High School, class of 1966 and began working at Dodge Manufacturing in Mishawaka before being drafted into the US Army where he served in Vietnam from 1968 until his honorable discharge in 1970. He married Sharon DeLoddere in Mishawaka, Indiana and would have celebrated their 49th year of marriage this year.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Sharon Little of Osceola and their children Brad (Jennifer) Little of Mishawaka, Brenda (Barry) Jones of Davison, Michigan and Beth (Troy) Johnson of Frisco, Texas. Surviving as well are his grandchildren who lovingly referred to Jim as "Grandpa Boat," Amelia and Owen Little, Sydney, Sawyer, and Spencer Jones, Kyle (Baylee) Beatty Mathew Beatty, and Trevor and Trista Johnson. Jim is also survived by his siblings Paul (Sherry) Little of Osceola and Pam Smith of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Friends may visit with the Little family from 3-6 pm Friday, April 30, 2021 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola where Mark Rydzinski, a childhood friend of Jim's, will share a message of hope immediately following visitation at 6:00pm.  To view the service in real time through our livestream, please follow this link:  http://us02web.zoom.us/j/5746748689

After returning from Vietnam, Jim went back to work at Dodge Manufacturing. Later, he started his own business, River Services, where Jim enjoyed working along the St. Joseph River and surrounding lakes installing and maintaining docks.

Jim had many hobbies, such as bowling and golfing. Jim loved the river and spent his entire life boating and waterskiing. He shared his love of the water with his children and grandchildren, spending time teaching them about boats and how to ski. Jim also was an avid snowmobiler and enjoyed spending time up north at his friend Kevin's cabin. He also loved listening to music. Jim was a man who was known by all and loved by many. There was nothing he wouldn't do for you and would give you anything you needed.
The Little family wishes to express their gratitude and sincere appreciation for the support and excellent care provided to Jim and their family during his illness. Special thanks to his VA primary care doctor, Deb Neubauer, Dr. Saqlain and staff of the Beacon Medical Group Oncology Department, and his hospice nurse, Margaret, and aides, Jerrica and Wendy, of Heart to Heart Hospice.

To share a story of Jim's life, light a virtual candle in his memory, or leave a message of comfort for the Little family, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.

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