(From Lakin Funeral Home)James "Jim" Patrick Larkin, age 82, of Pierce City, MO passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Lacoba Homes Inc. in Monett, MO. He was born in Pierce City, MO on Tuesday, February 9, 1943; son of Edward Patrick and Elizabeth Carol (Higgins) Larkin. He was a 1961 graduate of Pierce City High School.
Jim served in the US Army in the Vietnam war. He was a medical records clerk and was stationed out of Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. He attended some college but did not finish his degree. Jim retired from the Chrysler plant in St. Louis, MO after working many years. He was able to learn how to upholster as a part of his training with Chrysler.
Jim married Evelyn Sappington on Saturday, January 12, 1991, in Las Vegas, NV. They enjoyed traveling together and took some amazing trips over the years. Jim and Evelyn went on an Alaskan Cruise in 1993, a bus tour of Italy and Ireland, and a riverboat cruise from Switzerland to Amsterdam. They saw some beautiful scenery as they took the various trips and met some wonderful people. Jim cherished the time he could spend with his grandchildren. He always looked forward to their visits and calls.
Jim enjoyed people. He was part of the Wednesday night bunch (friends who met together every other week), the Supper Club (couples who ate together the second Saturday of every month), and the Wine Club (guys who met the third Monday night of each month in the basement of his home). Jim grew blackberries for years and had recently started harvesting grapes as well to produce wine. He made 8 or 9 varieties of wine and also made jellies specializing in blackberry, jalapeño, and habanero. He grew all the peppers in his garden. Blackberry cherry wine was always his favorite.
Jim was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where he served on the council and on the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery board. He also ran Bingo for over 12 years during the annual St. Mary's Church picnic raising funds for St. Mary's Catholic school. He was on the Fire Protection board, Pierce City Road District board, and was a member of the American Legion. He continued helping others through Jim's Upholstery business as well. Jim was a difference-maker and will be missed by many!
Surviving are the following: his wife, Evelyn of the home; two children, Mike Larkin and girlfriend, Rachel of Marshfield, MO; and Kelley (Chris) Putnam of West St. Louis County, MO; a stepdaughter, Laura (Bob) Elkins of Washington, MO; step son-in-law, Jeremy Mitchell of South St. Louis County, MO; three siblings, Kevin Larkin, Bridget Cromer, and Sheila Scott; five grandchildren, Sam Mitchell, Jake Mitchell, Drew Putnam, Grace Putnam, and Andrew Elkins; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Jim enjoyed people. He was part of the Wednesday night bunch (friends who met together every other week), the Supper Club (couples who ate together the second Saturday of every month), and the Wine Club (guys who met the third Monday night of each month in the basement of his home). Jim grew blackberries for years and had recently started harvesting grapes as well to produce wine. He made 8 or 9 varieties of wine and also made jellies specializing in blackberry, jalapeño, and habanero. He grew all the peppers in his garden. Blackberry cherry wine was always his favorite.
Jim was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where he served on the council and on the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery board. He also ran Bingo for over 12 years during the annual St. Mary's Church picnic raising funds for St. Mary's Catholic school. He was on the Fire Protection board, Pierce City Road District board, and was a member of the American Legion. He continued helping others through Jim's Upholstery business as well. Jim was a difference-maker and will be missed by many!
Surviving are the following: his wife, Evelyn of the home; two children, Mike Larkin and girlfriend, Rachel of Marshfield, MO; and Kelley (Chris) Putnam of West St. Louis County, MO; a stepdaughter, Laura (Bob) Elkins of Washington, MO; step son-in-law, Jeremy Mitchell of South St. Louis County, MO; three siblings, Kevin Larkin, Bridget Cromer, and Sheila Scott; five grandchildren, Sam Mitchell, Jake Mitchell, Drew Putnam, Grace Putnam, and Andrew Elkins; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Elizabeth Larkin; daughter, Stacey Mitchell; step-daughter, Nicole Drazen; and sister, Maura Sparks.
The family will receive friends at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pierce City, MO on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM with Father Sanoop Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Pierce City, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, in Jim's honor, to the Pierce City Senior Center. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO.
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