James Bruce "Jim" McLaughlin

On a recent cold dark and snowy night, our Sunrise Side lost another member of our "greatest generation."
James "Jim" Bruce McLaughlin took a step into a snow bank, fell on his back and couldn't get up. He was found in the morning by a friend, but he couldn't be saved. It was too late.
His band of brothers had already welcomed him. They had been waiting for Jim for many years. Perhaps a few of them had been with Jim on one of his 50 bomber missions in a B-24 or one of the 75 fighter missions or in his second tour in the P-47 Thunder Bolt Fighters. Jim always said "that the biggest challenge was to keep from getting killed."
Jim retired from the United States Air Force as a colonel. He received many awards, however he is most noted for his accomplishment of receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. He was also a member of the American Air Museum in Britain.
Jim was born June 15, 1924, in Grand Rapids to James and Mary McLaughlin. He was the oldest of two siblings who have preceded him in death, sister, Miriam, and brother, John D. Jim is survived by his adult children, James B. McLaughlin Jr. of North Carolina, Lawrence McLaughlin of Texas and Patti Evans of Texas; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The McLaughlins march on! Jim's death has created a void in the life of his wife of 21 years, Isabelle, who also survives him.
Jim gave up hunting after they moved up here. He laughed that he couldn't hunt when Isabelle saved worms and turtles from the sun on their driveway! Therefore, in lieu of flowers, it's only natural that Jim and Isabelle would appreciate your donations to the Alcona Animal Shelter in Lincoln. Thank you!
The family will have a memorial service at Buresh Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Rob Nordin officiating and a military honors presentation. Jim wished to be cremated and buried in the area that he loved and among the friends that made living here so happy for us.
He was one of the founding members of the Wurtsmith Air Museum in Oscoda and was the chairman for 16 years until he retired in 2010. He arranged the annual Fly-Ins and pancake breakfasts and dances for the museum as well.
Cremation arrangements are being handled by Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City. An on-line guest registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.