James D. "Jim" Mclaughlin

James D. (Jim) McLaughlin passed away at home on November 30, 2023.

Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, educator, soldier, and friend. No matter how hard life became, Jim always had a funny little remark to share. He enjoyed teasing and joking right up to the end.

Jim was in education for 30 years. He started his career as a teacher and ended his career as the Principle and Superintendent of schools. Jim also put in 26 years with the military. He first joined the Army. Later he joined the Montana Air National Guard in Great Falls, Montana. Jim was activated twice by the Air Force. He was honorably discharged and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in 2005. Jim loved his country and loved serving in the military. He developed pulmonary/ cystic fibrosis, which eventually became cancerous. The cancer quickly took his life.

Jim lived attached to oxygen for the last 8 years of his life.  He was legally blind, hearing impaired, and he lost his sense of smell and taste. He had rheumatoid arthritis in his joints and neuropathy in his feet. His balance was very poor.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Leo McLaughlin; mother, Virginia Bae McLaughlin; younger brother, Jerry McLaughlin; and great-granddaughter, Shelby McLaughlin.

Jim is survived by his wife, Melody McLaughlin; daughter, Stehpannie Boot; son-in-law, Brian Boot; daughter, Kimberly McLaughlin; stepdaughter, Misty Cline; grandsons, Bradley McLaughlin and Brandon Boot. He has three living great grandchildren, Liberty, Jamie, and John McLaughlin. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all those who have known him over the years.

Jim’s favorite bible verse was Isaiah 40:31… “they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” As Christians we believe Jim’s strength has been renewed. Those who knew Jim well can see him running about in Heaven with his beloved German Shepherds, teasing and joking with the Lord, and all those he encounters. May you RIP SMSGT James D. McLaughlin; we shall meet again!