James Larkins

James Charles Larkins, Sr., 80, of Rockford, died Friday, June 21, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and after a long courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 23, 1939, in Church Hill, TN; the son of Robert and Anna (Larkin) Larkins. Attended school and spent his childhood working his grandfather’s tobacco farm in Tennessee. Jim married Mary Ellen Morrison on August 26, 1956. He served his country in the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Military Police. Jim relocated his family to Rockford in 1969. He worked for National Lock for over 30 years and retired from Specialty Screw Corporation as a gifted machinist. Jim, fondly known as Papa, had a great love for his family, his Christian faith, and was an avid classic car enthusiast, winning multiple awards with his 1939 Packard. He always greeted you with a warm welcome, a beautiful smile, and a great story to tell. He was a proud, loving, and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle and will be dearly missed. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Mary Ellen; children James (Cindy) Jr., Rick (Bonnie), Sue (Kyle) Larkins-Clark, and adopted daughter Tammy Aaronson; grandchildren Matt, Justin, Jess, Brent, Kate, and Brandon; and 10 great-grandchildren; siblings Charlene Hensley, Elizabeth Hicks, Ronnie (Carolyn) Larkins, and Judy Thacker; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents, and his son Robert Dale Larkins. A special thank you to Swedish American Regional Cancer Center, Dr. Mardini, and Heartland Hospice for their care and dedication. A Celebration of Life will be Thursday, June 27, 2019, from 5 to 8 pm at the VFW, 2018 Windsor Road, Loves Park. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 7307 N. Alpine Road, Loves Park.  www.statelinecremations.com