James J. Larkin

James Julius Larkin, son of James Larkin and Carrie Schueler Larkin, was born in Baltimore on March 13, 1919, making him 105 and ½ years old when he passed away on October 27, 2024. Being widowed in 2008 by the death of his wife, Elsie, he is survived by his sons Douglas (Charlotte) and Bob (Donna); four granddaughters, Jennifer, Katie, Christina and Robin; as well as greatgrandchildren, James, Claire, Amelia, Christopher, Eleanor, Ronin and Alice.

James, or Jim as he was also called, graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1937. Prior to WWII, he leased a gas station and worked at the Armor Meat Packing Company selling groceries and candling eggs until he and two other fellas decided to drive out to CA to seek employment manufacturing airplane parts. While out west, Jim figured he’d try his luck in the Hollywood movies. After all, he asserted, you only had to know how to ride a horse and kiss a girl, and he could do that! (James always said that William Holden got the role he was destined for.)

In 1942,

James entered the United States Navy. After a struggle to gain access to the Naval flight school in Pensacola, FL, he graduated from that school, transferring shortly afterwards to the US Marines. During his military career, James flew 38 combat missions in the South Pacific as well as many flights with other purposes. He flew as a dive bomber, scout, search pilot, ground support, and fighter escort up to the North Korean coast, flying almost daily for years. He was trained to take off and land on an aircraft carrier. Numerous times James used his excellent flight skills to spare himself, with the grace of the Lord, from becoming a wartime casualty. After one raid, 25 years old James was forced to land his plane without aileron control due to missing parts of the wing. James also spent time in Europe in service with NATO.

Upon his return to the United States, he was stationed in CA and NC, assigned to several different positions including Marine candidate selection, test pilot, flight instructor, and head of Overhaul and Repair. He was awarded the Flying Cross. Air Medal, the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, the European Clasp, the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. Performing with excellence with the use of a pistol as well as a rifle, he was awarded the certification of Sharp Shooter. A proud, unassuming man, James didn’t share his wartime experiences until later in life.

Retiring after 22 years in the United States Marine Corps, Major James Larkin redirected his efforts, and graduated from the University of MD with a degree in Mathematics. Subsequently, he taught Mathematics in Belair Junior High School in Bowie, MD. Merging into another phase of his life, James pursued his interests in vegetable gardening, square dancing, playing the piano, assisting with family construction projects, keeping tract of the Orioles, and following the worlds of finance and politics. He rounded out the years after his wife died, learning to cook and bake, clean, and keep house—Unfamiliar territory for him, but he was never one to shirk a challenge.

Although seemingly a reserved man, James related well in a social situation and was at ease with those other generations, sincerely connecting with people and entertaining them with stories of bold deeds, and humorous anecdotes of his own experiences. He enthusiastically attended family events, and, from the delight on his face, we knew he cherished visits from his granddaughters and great-grandchildren. We were all fortunate indeed to have loved and been loved by this compassionate, courageous and humble man, one of the last of the Greatest Generation.

A visitation for James will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

His funeral service will occur Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM, 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

And later the evening, another visitation will occur from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

An interment in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date will occur.