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.
Obituary is from www.statelinecremations.com

Additional information is from the obituary of Kingsport Times News:
The family will receive friends on Friday, July 5, from 11:00 to 12:00 at Freedom Baptist Church, 1536 Independence Avenue, in Mt. Carmel. Rev. Andy Sensabaugh will officiate at 12:00 PM. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Larkins Family Cemetery on Mt. Zion Road. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 3-265 Honor Guard.