James Donald Sudlow

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved James Donald Sudlow who died on July 26, 2023 of a cardiac arrest at the age of 63.

James was born to Donald and Gertrude Sudlow on July 12, 1960 in Marshall, Minnesota. He spent his early childhood in Milroy, MN and attended Milroy Elementary School from Kindergarten to second grade. His family moved to Brooklyn Park, MN in 1969 where he attended Birch Grove Elementary School and Palmer Lake Elementary School. He attended Park Center Junior High School and then to Park Center Senior High School in Brooklyn Park, MN where he graduated in 1978. He then went to Missouri Institute of Technology and graduated in 1982 and moved to California the same year and settled in Silicon Valley.

James met the love of his life, Colleen Walsh, in 1982 and they were married on July 16, 1988 at St. Justin Catholic Church in Santa Clara, CA. James and Colleen resided in Sunnyvale, CA and then moved to San Jose, CA where they raised their two children, Patrick and Elise. James and Colleen just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on July 16, 2023.

James spent his career working in Silicon Valley and was currently employed by Olsen Communications Inc. for the last 17 years as a Technical Support Specialist. He truly loved his job and was a dedicated, much-loved employee. He also previously worked at Advanced Micro Devices in Santa Clara as a technician.

James had a great passion for all sports and especially for the Minnesota Vikings, the Minnesota Twins, and the Minnesota Wild. He loved going fishing, playing golf, and was an avid bowler at one time. He enjoyed eating spare ribs and drinking Rum and Coke. He was an enthusiastic music lover of the rock band Rush, as well as Kansas, REO Speedwagon, and The Eagles. He loved action and war movies, online poker, and he was a fan of science fiction. James was a wonderful cat dad and loved all of the family cats they had over the years…Friskie, Blackie, Shadow, Groucho, Callie, Bella…and his grandcat, Spooki. He was affectionately known as “Jimbo” and a salt-of-the-earth kind of person. He was also known for his kind, easy going, laid-back nature, and quick wit paired with a dry sense of humor, and he was content with life.

James was a devoted father of his kids, Patrick and Elise. He was truly proud of his children and loved them deeply. James was one of seven siblings: brother Dave Larson (wife Kathy and kids Bryan Larson (wife Kim and kids Alec, Evan, Finn, and Miles)), and Amy Larson Baas (husband Kevin and kids Braiden, Gavin, and Mason); brother Rich Larson (wife Sandy and kids Tristel Pacanas, Brandon Larson (wife Ashley and son Isaiah); and Garrett Larson (wife Lizzie)); brother Bob Larson (wife Nancy and kids Paul, Wendi Anderson (husband Gary and kids Nicholas and Noah), and Jeni Johnson (husband Jeremy)); sister Arlene Marchand (husband Jim and kids Katie (daughter Brooklyn) and Kari); and brothers Dale Larson and Warren Sudlow. James was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Gertrude, and step-father Harm Heidebrink and by his brothers, Dave, Rich, and Bob; and his nephew and nieces Paul, Wendi and Jeni.

On the Walsh side, James had many sibling-in-laws including Patty Walsh-Ewing (husband Mike); Mary Hullin (husband Greg and kids Kathryn Powell (husband Richard and kids Ashlyn, Allyson, and Everleigh)), Thomas Hullin, and Theresa Blondina (husband Michael and kids Charley and Wyatt); Michael Walsh; Carolyn Walsh (boyfriend Arlen Stone); Christine Walsh; Linda Walsh (wife Tara and kids Owen and Gavin); and Margaret Walsh-Altman (kids Randall Altman and son Dean and Lauren Altman). James was preceded in death by his in-laws Thomas and Carolyn Walsh, as well as Patty, Mary, and Greg.

James always enjoyed attending family gatherings and appreciated being around loved ones. He made every one of his family members feel special and loved. James had a giving, loving, quiet way about him and will be greatly missed. His passing will truly leave a great void in our family.

A public visitation for James will be held Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 5:00 PM at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 North Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA 95050, followed by the funeral service at 5:30 PM. All are welcome to join us at the reception on-site afterwards to share your favorite stories & memories of James.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James' honor may be sent to:

-San Jose Animal Care Shelter | 2750 Monterey Road, San Jose, CA 95111 | www.licensepet.com/wl3/don/snjswd/574

-American Heart Association | PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284 | www.heart.org