James A. Larimer

James A. Larimer, or Jim, was a kind man who showed his love for others by quietly doing his duty, protecting and providing for those in his keeping. He was a man of few words, but his life was full of actions that revealed his faith, generosity, integrity, hard work ethic, and wonderfully dry sense of humor.

After several years of difficult health issues, Jim passed away peacefully at his home in Washington Township on July 22, 2024 at the age of 83. He was born on October 23, 1940 to Earl and Gladys (Ascroft) Larimer in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. At the age of 4, he became the proud big brother of Gary, and he was a good friend and brother throughout his life. “Jimmy” was a bit of a rascal as a boy, and in his later years he freely confessed to some of his antics, like figuring out with a friend how to start and operate a parked construction bulldozer and refilling a previously dug out hole! From a very young age, Jim had an interest in and aptitude for all things mechanical. He was thankful that mentors and teachers recognized and nurtured that interest. He further developed his many skills during his four years in the Air Force and his 36 years in the auto industry. Jim was a proud veteran and was deeply influenced by his experiences in the military. He truly enjoyed serving his country in Germany during the Cold War, and he developed lifelong friendships, as well as love for travel during that time.

In 1966, a few years after his discharge, Jim went to a Thanksgiving dinner at the State Fair Church of God with his mother. There he reconnected with a young lady who he remembered as “that bigger girl that used to beat me up in Sunday school class." Jim was smitten and married Judith Ann Lashbrook the following May 27th. Jim and Judy had two children, Andrew and Julie. During their young-family years, Jim not only worked long hours, but also volunteered as a fireman in Troy, Michigan, was a mentor in 4-H, and served on the church board. When in his late forties, he decided to return to school to earn his bachelor’s degree while working at General Motors. He proudly graduated in 1992 from Central Michigan University. After a successful career, Jim retired to enjoy his interests in woodworking, fishing, and construction, and he also took time to serve in various ways at their church. Jim and Judy built a beautiful cottage on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron and enjoyed many summers there entertaining friends and family. During their 57 years together, they had the opportunity to  travel to many amazing places, including England, Japan, Africa, China, Europe and Hawaii. Jim had a way of collecting friends during all the phases of his life and he was steady and loyal to them all.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Earl, and his mother, Gladys. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his son, Andrew (Beth) Larimer; his daughter, Julie (David) Wilson; his grandchildren, Marc (Katyuska), Ellie, Joshua, Jonathan, Nathaniel, and Benjamin Wilson; his great grandchildren, Katerina and Sebastian Wilson; his brother, Gary Larimer; and numerous cousins. Jim will be greatly missed, but the life he led will continue to influence, and his belief that everything in life has “been planned and orchestrated by a higher power” will continue to live on in those he loved.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home in Romeo, MI. from 3-8 pm.

Funeral Service will begin at 7pm

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105). Also Special Olympics Michigan (Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859).