Obituary of James Herbert McLaughlin

Jim entered into eternal rest at his home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife Joyce and her children Kimberley and Duke (Vanessa) Fonner, and by his former wife Mary Jane Tralongo and their children Dennis, (Canice), Ken (Elaine), Kathleen (Dave) and Diana, and by 9 beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers John, Joe (Mary) and Jerome (Rosemary) as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was born in Chicago to James H. McLaughlin and Jeanette Hubbard McLaughlin. The family moved to San Jose where Jim earned an AA degree in Fire Service Technology. He served in the Navy during the Korean War as a petty officer 2nd class (radarman).
He began his fire-fighting career in 1954. He served as a Palo Alto dispatcher, captain, training officer, 2nd Assistant Chief, Assistant Chief, and fire marshal. He co-authored "Introduction to Fire Science" and taught at the college level.
Jim served twice as president of the Northern California Fire Prevention Officers section of the California Fire Chiefs Association. After retiring in 1984 he joined Lund Pearson McLaughlin Fire Protection Systems and served as president until his death.
Jim was president of the Palo Alto Host Lions Club, member of the Elks, and a Little League umpire. At Our Lady of the Rosary Church he was chief usher, council member, and president of the building and equipment committee; he wrote a safety manual for Palo Alto Catholic churches.
We remember Jim for helping others, tailgating at Stanford football games, organizing family trips, and attending games and performances to cheer on his grandchildren. We miss his hearty laughter and are thankful he touched our lives.
Services have been held.




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