James McLaughlin Obituary

James Patrick McLaughlin passed away on March 30, 2021. He was born on December 5, 1940 in Kearny, NJ - the son of John A. McLaughlin and Margaret Ford McLaughlin, brother of John A. McLaughlin and Rita McLaughlin Sarlo, all predeceased. He attended St. Stephens High School in Kearny, NJ, and received his BA in Political Science from Seaton Hall University, South Orange. NJ. His working years were spent in the group insurance industry. He worked for The Prudential Insurance Company in Newark, NJ, and then moved into employee benefit consulting with Johnson & Higgins in New York City. He took early retirement and moved with his wife, Linda Pearthree McLaughlin, to Durango in 1995 where they bred and raised Icelandic Horses.

During his years in Durango, he focused on church, his jail ministry work in the library, his love of skiing, golf, and travel, taking care of many well-loved dogs and cats and, of course, the horses. He had a deep appreciation of the arts, music (especially a fine Irish jig), the great outdoors, and a good adventure. He enjoyed sports and any good competitive game. He would always attend his grandchildren's sporting events when he was visiting their East Coast residences.

His son-in-law, John McGuinness, wrote the eulogy which describes Jim's life the best. "Recently, we lost a legend: A husband, a father, a father-in-law, a grandpa, a leader, a friend, a rancher, a world traveler. He was a man of deep faith, kindness, and generosity."

We will miss his wonderful smile and his joyful laughter; his sparkling Irish eyes; his wit and wisdom and, most of all, his love of life.

He leaves behind his wife, Linda, and their children from previous marriages - Mark McLaughlin of Suffern, NY Maureen McLaughlin (John) McGuinness, and Cara McLaughlin of Stony Point, NY, and Lisa Stevens of Higganum, CT as well as seven grandchildren- Matthew and Michael Stevens, Gabriel, and Christopher McLaughlin and Kaleigh, Sean and Ava McGuinness. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, their children, and many wonderful friends and colleagues all across the country.

A memorial service will be held at the McLaughlin home at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 7.

Memorial donations can be made to Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, P.O. Box 9760, Henrico, VA 23228 (La Plata County Jail JO 087).