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BORN
1952
DIED
2019
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James McLaughlin Obituary
He was born March 9, 1952, in Meriden, Conn., the youngest son of the late James T. McLaughlin Sr. and Margaret Mulcahy McLaughlin.
James attended Holy Trinity Catholic School, Xavier High School, and Lyman Hall High School, where he played both basketball and baseball. After graduating Central Connecticut State University he joined his brother, Chris, at McLaughlin Real Estate, managing the residential division for 17 years. James was a driver and salesperson for White Way Cleaners, making deliveries and growing the company's client base for 21 years until his retirement in 2016.
A lifelong resident of Wallingford, James, known by friends as Mac, was a fixture of the social scene as an avid sports enthusiast, irreverent conversationalist, and frenetic musician. As keyboardist for the band Deaf Dog, Mac, alongside longtime friends, would liven up many a party around town, and played the annual Lenny's Cafe Christmas party for more than a decade. For the past 15 years Mac wrote and produced original songs, most recently inspired by his loving wife and grandchildren. He was a good friend to many and loved and valued his family above all else.
In addition to his wife, Susan, he is survived by his children, Jill Kaider (Kris), and Ben McLaughlin (Kate Bunce); his grandchildren, Eleanor and Lucy, and step-grandchildren, Madison and Stanlee; his sister, Maryanne Hall; his brother, Christopher McLaughlin; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings, Winnie Signore and Thomas McLaughlin.
His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St., Friday, Sept. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. A service will follow in the funeral home at 7 p.m. Interment will be private. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at the Wallingford Rod and Gun Club on Saturday, Oct. 5. It was Jim's wish for his friends and relations to be brought together for music and merriment. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to the Sisters' Project. P.O. Box 1643, Wallingford, CT 06492, www.thesistersproject.org. For online condolences, visit www.wallingfordfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James McLaughlin
Sponsored by Wallingford Funeral Home - Wallingford.
Gregory Besek
September 13, 2019
Hi Sue,
Although we have not seen each other in many years, I had a memory of you guys yesterday and mentioned it to someone I was with. For some unknown reason I checked the obits last night and was shocked to hear of this bitter news. My heart goes out to you and your family. I remember Jim as such a kind and wonderful man. Blessings to you all!
GB
JUDY EDGE
September 9, 2019
I am sending my condolences to Jim's family and to his brother Chris. I worked with Jim at McLaughlin Real Estate many years ago. I was one of the secretaries in the office. He was a great guy always smiling. We all got along very well. I'm sure he will also be missed in the community.
My sympathy to Susan and his children and grandchildren. May he Rest In Peace.
JUDY EDGE
Dave and Rita Owens
September 7, 2019
Dear Sue, Jill, and Ben. There aren't enough words to express our sympathy, but you know how much we love you. Jim brought so much joy into our lives and for that we will always be grateful. We'll miss our great friend and will treasure his and your friendship forever. Love, Rita, Dave and the boys
john young
September 6, 2019
I worked with Jim`s Father for 40 years at American Cyanamid (Cytec). Although I never had the pleasure of meeting "Mac" if he was anything like his Dad, he was a great person and family man.
May James T. McLaughlin`s soul rest in God`s etermal peace!
My deepest sympathy to his Family and Friends.
Sincerely,
John A. Young
Cromwell, Ct
Elise Berger
September 6, 2019
Susan, so sorry to hear. Sending prayers to you and your family
September 5, 2019
My friendship with Jimmy dates back to our earliest years in grammar school when we spent many hours together at his home and at my grandparents' home across from the McLaughlins on Willow Street in Wallingford. Remarkably, we attended the same grammar school; the same two high schools; and the same college. At our 40th high school reunion i played guitar with Jimmy and the band and thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent together. Hearing of his passing is heartbreaking. I truly hope that his family and loved ones will be consoled by his lasting, loving memory. i am very sorry for your loss. Mark Soboslai, Westport, CT
Noelle Johnson
September 5, 2019
Dear Susan and Chris, I was so sorry to read of Jim's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
loreen rugle
September 4, 2019
Dearest Susan, words never feel like enough. I am remember the joyful evening at one of Jim's concerts. I so enjoyed the energy and spirit of him and his band. One of the fond memories stored in my heart. Please know that I am sending loving hugs and the energy of my heart to you and all the family.
Love, Lori
nancy currlin
September 4, 2019
Chris and Family - I am so sad to read of Jim's passing. He was always so witty and wise. I loved co-broking with him. I'll especially miss his music with Def Dog -- they were the only band who really rocked "Dixie Chicken"! This is a perfect picture of him. RIP Jim.
Mike Gannon
September 3, 2019
I was sorry to read of Jim's death. We met occasionally at the YMCA, and Jim was always full of energy and wit. Wallingford will miss his spirit and life.
Mary Ann Blakely
September 3, 2019
Dear Susan, Ben, Jill and family, I was deeply saddened to hear of Jims passing. He certainly went through a lot these past few years. I admired his spirit. I enjoyed his quick wit and his ability to make people smile and laugh along with him. He was a very talented musician. I will miss the fun evenings out dancing the night away to the music of Deaf Dog. May the memories of all the good times you shared comfort you and keep him close. He is at peace.
Bob Wielgosh
September 2, 2019
Susan and family, I'm deeply sorry to hear about Jimmy.He went through such a lot.He was such a good guy. I'm going to miss him at Chris's on Fridays.Unfortunately I'll be out of state for the wake and funeral. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless!
Donna Condon
September 2, 2019
Susan, Jill & Ben - We still live in the house Jim sold us 25 years ago. We will miss his laugh & his quick wit.
Most of all, enjoying a nice cold beer together with our good friend.
Rhino & Donna
Karen Colgrove
September 2, 2019
Susan, Jill and Ben - John and I send our condolences. So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of hearing him play the piano at Dot's house. May you find strength from all of your wonderful memories.
Joyce Spencer
September 1, 2019
Sue, Jill Ben and all the family, We are very sorry for your loss.
Dennis Rodgers
September 1, 2019
My deepest sympathies to Jim's family and friends. Having known Mac for many years and to have bought my present house from him back in 1979 while he worked for his brother Chris as my sister Louise had also worked for Chris. . Always in good spirits and always a Happy Face may he Rest In Peace
Mercia English
August 31, 2019
No matter the years apart or the place, you always had that impish smile.
You'll be missed by many, Jim !
...and always be a loved cousin !
Bill Gaffey
August 31, 2019
Jim and I became pals when we worked for the Wallingford Parks department during the summers of '67, '68' and '69 which was run by the 75 year old Superintendant Leo DelRosso. Suffice it to say that Leo ran a pretty loose ship. Jim and I managed to grab the coveted garbage truck route which entailed picking up the trash at all the parks and playgrounds on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The playgrounds were all staffed by high school girls, most of whom we knew. We would show up, try to make time with the girls and invariably failing, console ourselves with a few games of Chinese checkers and Karoms then move on to try our luck at the next playground. Tuesdays and Thursdays were ballfield mowing day. We were part of a four man crew. Tim O'Reilly drove the dumptruck, towing a trailer with the mowers, Fran Stupakevich rode shotgun while Jim and I stood in the truck bed with our elbows on the roof of the cab as we watched Wallingford fly by (OHSA had yet to be invented). Occasionally, they would put Joe Kubeck on the crew for additional levity- as if any were needed. We purloined some pith helmets from the lifeguard shack at Community Pool and started wearing them while we rode in the back of the truck, thinking that we must look quite dashing. It wasn't long before O'Reilly told us to take them off since we looked like fools and he didn't want to be seen with us. He had fists the size of Virginia hams and knew how to use them, so we complied. Every field we mowed we felt entitled us to a 45 minute break at Boylan's, Dairy Queen or the Silver Fox. For our efforts we were paid the princely sum of $51.00 per week. To put things in perspective, a six pack of Schlitz was $1.49 so it wasn't that bad. After we finally grew up and wound up working in uptown Wallingford, we would run into each other at Grampy's Coffee shop almost every morning for twenty years. We had a ritual. I'd grumble about what a hassle the upcoming day was going to be, he would do the same, then we would would both exclaim "Don't you wish we were back on the garbage truck!!! That was the best job either of us ever had!!!
Aileen Richards
August 31, 2019
My heart hurts for the entire network of family and friends
Who knew and loved Jim
Barry and Sandy OBrien
August 31, 2019
Sue, Jill, Ben, and family. Our memories of Jimmy have traveled a journey from grade school through adulthood. These kinds of friendships are priceless, and Jimmys will forever be cherished deep in our hearts. We send you our love and condolences.
Bob & Joan Parisi
August 31, 2019
My most sincere sympathy to the family for your loss.
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