James F. “Jim” Laughlin, 85, of Lake City, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at St. Vincent Health Center.
He was born April 2, 1933 in New Bethlehem, PA (Clarion County), a son of the late Francis L. and Margaret (Baldwin) Laughlin.
Jim graduated from Red Bank Valley High School and later enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War in 1952. He served aboard vessels in the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes and was stationed at the Coast Guard Station at Presque Isle. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal upon his honorable discharge.
He was employed and retired from Vermeer Mfg., where he was Regional Sales Manager for the Eastern Seaboard. Jim was president of JMD Mfg., a local business known for the manufacturing and sales of decorative grape carts. He also was owner and operator of Laughlin Antiques.
Jim attended the Lake City United Methodist Church and was a member of the Girard American Legion Post #494. He enjoyed wood carving and was also an avid Penn State football fan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn (Wingerter) Laughlin, whom he married August 21, 1954 in Erie, also his son, Jimmy Laughlin, and brother, Leroy Laughlin.
He will be greatly missed by his family, which includes two daughters, Debra A. Faulkner (Gary), Donna L. Komisarski (Michael); grandchildren, T.J. Faulkner and Kate Faulkner; a great grandson, Noah Panic; a niece, Marcia Mikovich; and two nephews, Gary Laughlin and Bruce Laughlin.
Jim’s family would like to express their gratitude to Cindy Tavernese, Jim’s caregiver, for her compassion and dedication to him while he was ill.
Friends may call on Wednesday, March 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Edder Funeral Home Inc., 309 Main St. East, Girard and are invited to attend services there on Thursday, March 14, at 10 a.m.
Burial will be in Girard Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lake City Methodist Church, 10087 Sampson Ave., Lake City, PA. 16423.
To send condolences, visit edderfuneralhome.com.
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