JAMES (JIM) CHARLE S LARKIN

Jim had a generous heart and a calming spirit that touched us all.  Along with his brilliance, wit, and sense of humor, he was a peace-maker for many.  But more than all this, Jim was a devoted husband to Shirley for 59+ years and loving father to his children--Greg, Darin, and Valerie and her husband Mike; and adored his grandchildren, Cannon and Hailey.

Upon graduating from Valley Mills High School in 1953 as a 4-sport letter-man and State debate champion, Jim entered University of Texas and received his BBA in 1962 and LLB in 1964.  At UT he was a member of Oak Grove, Sigma Phi Epsilon, and Phi Delta Phi.  From 1957 – 1960 he was in the US Army stationed in Berlin.

Jim served as Harris County DA for 28 years until his retirement in 1993.  During his career he tried hundreds of misdemeanor and felony cases while in the trial division.    Later he was assigned to administrative duties and served as chairman of the Hiring Committee for 19 years where he watched hundreds of young lawyers advance through the DA's office.  Prior to becoming an administrator, Jim was in charge of establishing and setting up the In-Take Division.   After retiring from the DA's office, Jim became a visiting judge for the Harris County Misdemeanor Courts for 17 years.  During these 17 years, he and Shirley enjoyed many trips abroad and throughout the US.  Jim especially loved the many car trips through the National Parks.

Jim was a member of Tomball Country Club for 40+ years and played regularly;  though he said he was never a great golfer, he had 3 holes-in-one.  For many years he joined a group of DA's and Ex-DA's twice a year for golf in Salado, TX.  He also enjoyed playing on the men's tennis team in his subdivision for many years.  He loved fishing at his lake house on Lake Livingston and he joined his DA fishing buddies often in Canada and on the coast of Mexico.  He was a "walking" sports statistician and followed even the high school athletes as they progressed through their careers.  Jim was also creative in the kitchen and the grill.  Not a weekend went by without a creation smoking outside!

Jim was a lifelong Methodist and was only a month from being a charter member of LUMC as he and his family joined LUMC at Hancock Elementary.  He served on the Board of Trustees and as a Trustee on the Permanent Endowment Fund where he helped establish the LUMC All Saints Garden.  He always enjoyed attending the men's activities and was a member of the Discovery Sunday School.

Jim enjoyed his life immensely and will be missed by many friends and especially his family as he was a humble, giving golden man and father.  He helped many people as he worked and played along the way and never expected applause.