James W. McLaughlin

JAMES W. MCLAUGHLIN Resident of Belmont Passed away Sept. 27, 2006 surrounded by his loving family. He is the beloved husband of his wife Muriel for more than 54 years, and the father of his eight children, Mary McLaughlin Macaire of San Francisco, Joseph McLaughlin of McMinnville, OR, Clare Wood of Larkspur, Rita McLaughlin and Veronica Sakuma of Belmont, Joan McLaughlin of San Jose, Mark McLaughlin of Belmont, and Maureen Miller of Reedley, CA. His son-in-laws include, Jim Macaire, Dan Sakuma, David DeSalvo and Bill Miller. His daughter-in-laws are Melissa McLaughlin and Lori McLaughlin. His precious grandchildren include, Nate Wood, Isaac McLaughlin, Jesse McLaughlin, Jennea Wood, Kevin Sakuma, Aaron McLaughlin, Muriel Macaire, Sean Miller, Ben Miller, and Zachary McLaughlin. He is also survived by his brother, Barney McLaughlin of Arizona and his sister, Sharon Morris of Todos Santos, Baja CA, Mexico along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was born December 6, 1921 in Denver, CO. A Californian since 1930 and a devoted Belmont resident since 1952. His rigorous education, including Latin, under the Christian Brothers and his college education at St. Mary's College, College of San Mateo, University of California, and San Jose State prepared him well for a life of public service and as a writer of poetry. He earned his Certificate in Management from University of Santa Clara School of Business. In his early years he was active as a youth director at St. Dominic and St. Agnes youth centers and President of the St. Boniface's youth club in SF. He worked as an apprentice machinist at Bethlehem Steel in SF and then as a journeyman machinist at Greenberg Sons & Pelton, SF, Western Gear Works, Belmont, and Westinghouse Electric, Sunnyvale. He organized the first Labor-Management School, which was later transferred to USF. At one time he was President of Machinist Local 68, I.A.M., SF, and a member of the SF Central Labor Council. In 1966 he was elected City Clerk of Belmont and served 5 terms until he retired in 1986. At various times he served as Secretary to the Planning Commission, the Belmont Fire District and the Belmont Redevelopment Agency. He was manager of the CA State Assoc. of Local Elected Officials for 10 years. Offices he held were President of the Bay Area and Northern CA City Clerks' Assn., and the Hibernia Luncheon Club, Secretary of the Portola Expedition Foundation, 1976 Chairman of Belmont Golden Anniversary-Bicentennial Committee. He became known for his fire hydrants painted as historical figures. After retiring he continued his public service with 2 terms on the San Mateo Co. Republican Central Committee and 5 years as President of the Plateau-Skymont Neighborhood Assn and newletter editor since 1990. He has received Distinguished Service Awards from the United Nations and the CA State Assn. of Local Elected Officials. Writing poetry was his great talent. He served as President of the Ina Coolbrith Circle and the CA Writer's Club, Peninsula Branch. He also started the annual Jack London Writer's Conferences. He was Poet Laureate of Belmont. Many of his poems, articles and children's stories appeared in national magazines, anthologies and newspapers, including a story in Chicken Soup for the Soul, the Single Parents edition (2004.) His published books of poetry are Complete Guide to Governmental Insanity-with Rhyme and Reason, Poetry of the Golden State, The Poetry of Christmas, and Funny Side Up - Prime Time Rhyme. He was recently honored when his poem entitled "Belmont" was named Official Poem of Belmont and when "The Part Most Blessed" was made the honorary poem of San Mateo County's 150th anniversary celebration. In his spare time, he enjoyed growing fruit and vegetables in his garden and telling jokes. He always had time to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. His love and devotion to his family and community has been a blessing to us all. He will be forever in our hearts. Visitation will be on Friday, Sept. 29th, at 6:30 p.m. with the Rosary immediately following at 7:30 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 30th, at 11:00 a.m. All services will be at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1040 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont. The family requests that contributions be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o IHM Church, 1040 Alameda, Belmont, CA 94002; The American Cancer Society, 165 S. Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, CA; or the LaSallian Education Opportunity Center, P.O. Box 3238, Oakland, CA 94609. Crippen & Flynn Carlmont Chapel www.crippenflynn.com (650) 595-4103