James Richard Larkin

James Richard Larkin (1933-2024) An authentic man of God, loving husband and father, Jim Larkin age 91, of Churchville, New York, entered the arms of Jesus at his home on Thanksgiving Day, November 28th. Jim was a faithful man who enjoyed his church and family. He was known as a devoted man of God, who loved the outdoors and wildlife. Jim was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1933 to Richard and Ruth Larkin. Jim’s dad owned his own meat market and they resided in Clarence, New York. Jim attended Clarence Central School, and during High School served as the President of the Student Council. Jim was studious and graduated early. He had a good work ethic and held a couple of jobs during those years in High School, at the Post Office and at the neighborhood garage, changing oil. After graduation, Jim attended and graduated from the University of Buffalo by age 20. Jim had a huge passion for baseball. He was spotted and was a prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees. The Yankees were interested in signing him, but he did not want to embark on the road trips that a team sport would demand. Jim enlisted in the United States Airforce, because he didn’t want to be drafted. He served as an accountant in San Antonio, Texas, until he was transferred to Niagara Falls Air Force Base due to his father having a heart attack. A little-known fact: the first time Janet noticed Jim was at her cousin’s graduation. Janet was in 8th grade and Jim was graduating High School. Janet wore a blue dotted-swish dress and Jim gave the commencement speech for the Student Council. Years later Jan was visiting her grandmother, who was a neighbor of Jim’s grandmother. As the grandma’s visited in the “parlor”, Jan spotted a picture of this handsome young man with curly dark brown hair and she asked, “Who is that?” The reply was, “Well that’s Jimmy.” His Grandma said, “He just broke up with his girlfriend because he learned she smoked.” Janet asked if she could write to Jim, as he was a service man. Apparently, that worked well. On furlough, they had their first date. Jim shared with her that it wasn’t going to work because of the 4-year age difference. Then, the NEXT night, changed his mind. They were married March 30, 1956. During the majority of Jim’s working years, he was a schoolteacher while Janet was an endearing homemaker. Jim and Jan started their family three years later, welcoming Dale, and 3.5 years later, their daughter, Ellen. Jim and Jan lived in Churchville, and family memories include Jim playing baseball in the backyard with both the kids, family vacations at Piseco, New York, and yearly trips to the New York State Fairground. Jim and Jan were very involved in church and also enjoyed going to minor league baseball games, as well as all the kids sporting and musical events. For the past 11 years, Jim and Jan have attended Open Door Baptist church, where they represented Jesus, as a loving couple, celebrating 68 years of marriage. They were actively involved in the Wednesday Noon Bible Study and if they were unable to attend Sunday Service, they listened on the provided phone service. Jim’s final years were marked as Jan’s loving, strong and faithful caregiver. They enjoyed a simple life of watching Bonanza, reruns of the Lawrence Welk show, and Jim cheering on the Yankees and the Bills. Jim spent much time outside caring for his lawn and the birds. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Wade and Bob. and his grandson, Eric. He is survived by his wife, his son Dale, his daughter Ellen and her husband Ric, and 3 granddaughters, Nicole and her husband Bryant, Shannon and her husband Jordan, and Courtney. They are blessed with 8 great grandchildren. Jim was an influential man, a loving neighbor, a greatly treasured gentleman, and will be deeply missed. Celebration of Life for Jim Larkin Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 11:00am Open Door Baptist Church 350 Scottsville-Chili Road Churchville, New York, 14428 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Open Door Baptist Church.

James Richard Larkin

November 28, 2024