James C. Laughlin's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - James Charles Laughlin, age 69 of Charleston and formerly of St. Louis, Missouri, died suddenly on Tuesday, August 15, 2017. James was born July 9, 1948, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of the late Kevin and Dorothy (Scott) Laughlin. He married Rayma Kay Owens on June 30, 1972. In addition to his loving and devoted wife Rayma Kay, he is survived by a daughter, Bonnie Laughlin-Schultz, son-in-law, Bill Schultz, Jr., and grandson, Henry William Schultz, all of Charleston; a son, David Laughlin, daughter-in-law, Rachel Laughlin, and granddaughter, Mason Rain Laughlin, all of Allendale, Michigan; as well as two sisters, Josephine (Bob) Freese of Taos, New Mexico and Janet Perry of St. Louis. He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel William Laughlin. James attained a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a master's degree from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Jim taught for 29 years at North County Technical School in St. Louis and also worked as a tour guide in downtown St. Louis. He continued giving tours and working with teens and adults with special needs following his retirement. Since relocating to Charleston in 2015 Jim has substitute-taught in the Charleston schools. Jim was an avid fan of all sports with baseball being his favorite. He was a huge fan and supporter of his grandson Henry's baseball teams and enjoyed the many baseball games watched with his son, David. Following the move to Charleston he truly enjoyed following the E.I.U. Panther sporting events. Jim was also quite the history buff and was extremely knowledgeable regarding historical St. Louis as well as Charleston history. Jim will forever be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, located at 311 Seventh Street in Charleston where a Memorial Service honoring and celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2017 with Pastor Mary Wright officiating. The family will be available to receive visitors immediately prior to the service from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to Lincoln Log Cabin or to the Charleston School District Helping Hands Program. Gifts may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. SERVICES Visitation Saturday, August 19, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM First Presbyterian Church 311 Seventh Street Charleston, IL 61920 Memorial Service Saturday, August 19, 2017 11:00 AM First Presbyterian Church 311 Seventh Street Charleston, IL 61920
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