Born in Harbor Springs, Michigan, Starr received a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Michigan Law School in 1910.

He was in private practice in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1910 to 1937, and was then Attorney General of Michigan from 1937 to 1938, thereafter returning to private practice until 1941.

[1] On July 3, 1946, Starr was nominated by President Harry S. Truman to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan vacated by Judge Fred Morton Raymond.

He served as Chief Judge from 1954 to 1961, assuming senior status on August 15, 1961.

Starr served in that capacity until his death on November 2, 1968.