James Larkin Obituary, Death Cause – James Larkin, a prominent figure in the world of entrepreneurship, journalism, and First Amendment advocacy, has passed away at the age of 74. Tragically, he took his own life on Monday, just a little over a week before he was scheduled to face trial for his involvement in the operation of the web-classifieds platform, Backpage.
A native of Maricopa County, Arizona, James Larkin’s influence extended far beyond his local roots. He leaves behind a grieving wife, six children, and a remarkable legacy of championing free speech and journalistic integrity.
The Phoenix New Times tackled complex and contentious issues, including abortion, immigrant rights, and the tragic 1976 murder of Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles. Larkin’s dedication to shedding light on crucial societal matters helped establish the newspaper as a credible and influential source for information and analysis. However, James Larkin’s legacy is also associated with Backpage, a web-classifieds platform that faced legal scrutiny due to concerns about facilitating illegal activities.
Despite his achievements as a journalist and advocate for free speech, Larkin’s involvement with Backpage brought legal challenges that he was set to confront in court.
One of his significant contributions to journalism came alongside journalist Michael Lacey when they transformed the Phoenix New Times from an anti-war student newspaper into a thriving platform that documented and explored the cultural and political landscape of Maricopa County. The newspaper fearlessly pursued honest and incisive reporting, even when it involved scrutinizing powerful figures in law enforcement and politics, such as Senator John McCain and his wife, Cindy McCain.
The news of his death has deeply impacted the journalism community and beyond, with many mourning the loss of a man who made significant contributions to the field and fought passionately for the right to free expression. As the details surrounding his passing emerge, the focus remains on honoring his memory and the indelible mark he left on journalism, free speech, and the pursuit of truth.
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