DEKALB – James E. LaRue, age 77, of DeKalb, passed away on January 6, 2024 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

His service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Massena Church of Christ officiated by his grandson, Samuel LaRue. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Jim was born on February 15, 1946 in Ogdensburg to the late Franklin E. and June E. (Papineau) LaRue. He attended schools in Hailesboro and Richville before graduating from Gouverneur Central School in 1964.

Jim served in the United States Army for 13 years before his honorable discharge on May 29, 1977. He married Johnnie F. Nicklaus on March 6, 1993 in Benton, AR officiated by Pastor Reggie Nolls. The couple moved to DeKalb in 1995.

Mr. LaRue worked as a truck driver for Waste Stream in Potsdam before retiring due to disability in 1999. Jim had been preaching for 20 years. He was a member of the Veterans Resource Network Association and enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, hunting, and fishing with his grandson, Logan and Luke Whiteford and Sam and Levi LaRue.

He is survived by his wife, Johnnie LaRue, daughters, Trina LaRue and Regina Whiteford, sons, Dewayne LaRue, Bo LaRue, Wade Brothers, Steven Brothers, and Jay Kyle, and half-brothers, Art Shattuck, Michael Shattuck and Gene Shattuck. Jim is also survived by 26 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his sister, Cathy Bigelow,

No flowers, please. Donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Massena Church of Christ, 16 Stephenville Street, Massena NY 13662.