James Larry Jensen passed away peacefully on April 12, 2013 at Star Valley Medical Center in Afton, Wyoming. Larry was born in Afton, Wyoming on October 10, 1945 to James "Jim" and Ann Jensen and was the first of four children. Larry was born while his father was stationed in Okinawa during World War II. Larry and Ann lived with his grandparents Nels and Amanda Sanderson in Etna until Jim returned from the service. Larry was very close to his Grandpa Sanderson and their relationship was one that lasted throughout his grandfather's lifetime. Larry's childhood was spent on the family ranch in Grover, Wyoming. At the age of 5 he began working for Bill West, driving the stacker team. He worked for Bill for many summers during his early years and had a very special relationship with both Bill and his mother Stella West. Larry enjoyed spending time with his Grandpa" Louie" Jensen who was the Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff when Larry was in his teens; he often accompanied Louie on many search and recovery missions on the Snake River. Larry attended Star Valley High School (SVHS) through his junior year. After he sustained severe injuries as a result of an altercation in Jackson, Wyoming after a SVHS football game and extended hospitalization, he moved to Salt Lake City to live with his Uncle Dallin & Aunt Barbara Jensen where he graduated from high school and then went on to attend Utah Trade Tech and graduated with a degree in Diesel Mechanics. Upon graduation he returned to Star Valley and was employed by Don Wood Tractor Co. He later joined the Wyoming Army National Guard and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington; he had served only two weeks when he was called home after his younger brother Scott was killed. Larry then returned to Fort Lewis and completed his training and was then stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He completed 6 years of service to his country before receiving an honorable discharge. Larry was employed with Star Studs, in Afton, Wyoming working in the logging industry prior to beginning his career as a heavy equipment operator with Rocky Mountain Construction based in Missoula, Montana. Larry spent many years living in Montana and Idaho and worked on several large construction projects including the Bonneville substation project that carried a 5,000 volt line to the Dworshak Dam near Ahsahka, Idaho, as well as pioneering the Sheep Creek road that goes over McDougal, and also rebuilding both the Tin Cup and Hoback Canyon roads. He drove professionally for Warner Enterprises before being recruited by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company to join a small group of men who would be among the first individuals to begin construction on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, one of the world's largest pipeline systems that conveys oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, Alaska. Larry lived in Barrow, Alaska from 1973 to 1978. He then returned to Star Valley and built a home in the Narrows and started his own business which he continued to operate until 2005. Larry retired in 2006 due to failing health as a result of a trucking accident near Rock Springs, Wyoming. Larry was married to Connie Hillyard for 20 years before they divorced. The couple resided in Afton, Wyoming. He had a wonderful relationship with his step-children which continued throughout his life. He loved both of them dearly and loved spending time with their children. After his retirement, Larry spent much of his time with his elderly father. They both enjoyed taking long drives through the valley in Larry's white mini truck he affectionately nick-named "Hop-Sing". Larry's dad preceded him in death by only three months; one can only assume Jim needed his driver. Larry had a strong work ethic, a quick wit, and was well-known for his humor and sense of adventure. Larry was a generous man and helped many people throughout his lifetime. He will be missed by his family and many friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Nels & Amanda Sanderson and Louis & Nellie Jensen, father Jim Jensen, younger brother Scott Jensen, and nephew Larry Alexander Tomicic. He is survived by his mother Ann Jensen and sisters, JoAnn (Kay) Merritt and Penny Kaye (Craig) Sandberg; step-children: Dirk (Jamie) Hillyard, Brandie (Dennis) McDonald. A funeral service was held at the Schwab Funeral Chapel in Thayne, Wyoming on Saturday, April 20, 2013. Interment was held at the Grover Cemetery with full military honors. Donations may be made in his honor to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4797, Box 515, Thayne, Wyoming, 83127.