James Dwight McLaughlin III

James (Jim) D. McLaughlin, also known as Buddy and Uncle Buddy to many family members, passed away at age 89 on August 6, 2025. James was born on September 7, 1935, in Washington, D.C. and he was really hoping to make it to his 90th birthday. Jim loved spending time with family and friends, reading books, growing some of the best tasting tomatoes around, loved gardening, but most of all, spending time with the love of his life Ellen, who he was married to for 66 years. Jim had a dry sense of humor, cracking jokes under his breath, had a sarcastic wit and loved giving his family members a jokingly hard time, even making jokes within hours of his passing.

Born to James and Elizabeth McLaughlin, he was the brother to Betty / Sissy (Gene), Joe (Shirley), Tommy and Ritchie. Jim loved food and family, and with Ellen would host family gatherings, which would usually end in hours of story-telling and laughter. He liked the Christmas gatherings the most, taking great pride in decorating the Christmas tree for days at the irritation of Ellen for how long it took, but making sure each ornament and handmade egg was put in just the right spot, but most of all, he enjoyed eating all the wonderful Christmas meals, cookies and pies that Ellen put her heart and soul into making.

Jim grew up in Hillside, MD and graduated from Suitland High School and then went in to the Army, where he was stationed in Germany. He remembered that time fondly and brought home with him a love of German beer, food and music, particularly German Christmas music, which he would blast through the house while decorating the tree. After leaving the Army, Jim was a salesman in the paper and janitorial industries, earning many awards. It was at Stott Paper Company in D.C. where he met his wife, Ellen. Jim enjoyed working and took his salesman role seriously, sometimes calling managers over in restaurants mid meal to explain how they could save money by using better napkins and setting appointments to come back to sell them those napkins. Later in life, he worked for Washington Paper, where he was also part owner. He worked well into his eighties, not even wanting to retire when he did, and made many lifelong friendships with coworkers, who he still spoke to regularly.

Jim and Ellen were married on February 27th, 1959, and shared a beautiful home with which they took great pride in and raised 4 children, Nancy, Karen, John and Barbara.

Jim is survived by his wife Ellen, who he loved dearly, Nancy, Karen (Mitch), and Barbara (Chip) and his grandson John, who meant the world to him and enjoyed spending time with sharing his love of music and food. He was preceded in death by his son John Michael, who he greatly missed. Jim is also survived by nieces, nephews, their spouses and children and a large group of local friends who he loved and enjoyed spending time with.

Upon his wishes, there will be no service at this time. Family and friends will be notified of any future arrangements.