James T. Larkins

James Thomas Larkins of Burtonsville MD took his final ride into the wild blue yonder May 13, 2023. He was 82 years young and passed away surrounded by his four children and the family nurse, granddaughter Rachel.

Jim was born in 1940 to Charles “Doc” Larkins and Margaret Doris Campbell in South Baltimore (Balmor to the natives), the second among 3 other siblings.

He met young Mary Nancy Lee Robison at a dance while back in Baltimore and never knew what hit him. They were joined in marriage in 1961 when she was just 18 and he was a mere 21. They and spent an amazing 58 years together, until her death in 2019.

Jim escaped the inner city at 18 when he joined the Air Force with nothing more than a semester of community college under his belt. He might have served as a Marine had the Marine recruiter not been at lunch that fateful day. The Air Force recruiter at the next office was more than happy to assist.

Jim excelled in the Air Force. He became a member of the elite SAC stand board cadre and completed over 180+ combat missions. While in the Air Force he earned a BS and two master’s degrees.  His pioneering research on laser weapons is still classified.

Jim retired as a Lt Colonel in the Air Force in 1980 and then went on to several more careers, his last being as the Fuel Cell Program Manager at Georgetown University.

Together Jim and Mary raised 4 children; Carol Maldoven (Bob), Janet Cameron, Susanne Larkins and Thomas Larkins (Carole). He and Mary were thrilled to have 6 awesome grandchildren; Nicholas, Rachel and Mackie Cameron, Holden and Garrett Maldoven and Derek Larkins. He also loved spending time with his adorable great grandson, Jackson Cameron and had yet to meet his great granddaughter Bellamie. 

Jim, a devout Catholic, was a past Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus and a published author of several peer reviewed technical papers. He self-published a “Catch 22” like novel based on his time in the Air Force and the chaos of war.

Jim is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Art Bennett as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He was beloved by everyone who knew him. He had a gift to make everyone he met feel important. He always made time for people and all who met him were blessed by his inclusive personality.  He found value in all.

Visitation will be held at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A., in Laurel, MD, May 22nd from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church in Burtonsville, MD and a reception will follow in the church hall. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to:

Gary Sinise Foundation: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/
Catholic Charities: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/

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