Photo courtesy of Adams Funeral Chapel - Charleston
Jul 9, 1948 - Aug 15, 2017
"Coach" was one of those people that was fun to be around and touched so many lives in a positive manner - in every role he filled. He was truly a role model for us all! I will always have fond memories of my high school track, cross-country, and gym days with him and his quick wit and encouragement. Brad Cornett - North County Tech - Class of 1977
Brad Cornett
November 23, 2017 | O'Fallon, MO | Friend
What do you say about someone that changed your life? He was my Coach and Friend. He had a great sense of humor and was a good listener. He always went the extra mile for any of his students most of time without being noticed. He was a loving husband and father. I will miss him!
Michael Stuart
August 25, 2017 | Florissant, MO | Friend
I will forever miss my coach and friend.
I credit him for turning my life around at school and pointing me in the right direction. I hope I can be half the man he was.
Dan Brown
August 24, 2017 | Maryville, IL
I knew Jim in his early college years. Absolutely a good, good man known for his kindness, intelligence and generous, loving spirit. God bless him. Rayma Kay, Bonnie, David and family thank you for being his family. Our prayers.
Peter OREILLY
August 23, 2017 | Bozeman, MT
We've only known Jim for a few months, but we admired his passion and commitment to activism in the community. We will miss his good letters to the newspaper and his presence at our meetings and rallies. We was a good man.
Ellen&Keith Wolcott
August 19, 2017 | Charleston, IL
Jim could always bring a smile to my face and I loved him for that. I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to meet such a loving and caring person who I will truly miss!
Kenedra Gibbons
August 18, 2017 | St. Louis, MO
So very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I met Jim through mutual friends at SIUE & I have to say he was by far one of the nicest, kindest guys I have ever met. My heart goes out to his family. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Susan Lucido Thompson
August 17, 2017 | Fairview Heights, IL
Sorry to here of the passing of Jim. He was a good class mate.
Tom Wegmann
August 17, 2017 | St Louis, MO
I will always remember Jim's humor as he emceed the North Tech end of the school year breakfasts. His presentation was always the highlight of the year. I'll also remember my first and only Metro Link ride. Jim took several people on a guided tour when Metro Link first started. I'll also remember his kindness and his smile. Kay, you have my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jackie Wright
August 17, 2017 | University City, MO
CHARLESTON, IL – James Charles Laughlin, age 69 of Charleston and formerly of St. Louis, Missouri, died suddenly on Tuesday, August 15, 2017.
James was born July 9, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of the late Kevin and Dorothy (Scott) Laughlin. He married Rayma Kay Owens on June 30, 1972. In addition to his loving and devoted wife Rayma Kay, he is survived by a daughter, Bonnie Laughlin-Schultz, son-in-law, Bill Schultz, Jr., and grandson, Henry William Schultz, all of Charleston; a son, David Laughlin, daughter-in-law, Rachel Laughlin, and granddaughter, Mason Rain Laughlin, all of Allendale, Michigan; as well as two sisters, Josephine (Bob) Freese of Taos, New Mexico and Janet Perry of St. Louis. He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel William Laughlin.
James attained a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Jim taught for 29 years at North County Technical School in St. Louis and also worked as a tour guide in downtown St. Louis. He continued giving tours and working with teens and adults with special needs following his retirement. Since relocating to Charleston in 2015 Jim has substitute-taught in the Charleston schools.
Jim was an avid fan of all sports with baseball being his favorite. He was a huge fan and supporter of his grandson Henry’s baseball teams and enjoyed the many baseball games watched with his son, David. Following the move to Charleston he truly enjoyed following the E.I.U. Panther sporting events. Jim was also quite the history buff and was extremely knowledgeable regarding historical St. Louis as well as Charleston history.
Jim will forever be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, located at 311 Seventh Street in Charleston where a Memorial Service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2017 with Pastor Mary Wright officiating. The family will be available to receive visitors immediately prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to Lincoln Log Cabin or to the Charleston School District Helping Hands Program. Gifts may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Read More
