James Howard McLaughlin

MADISON - James H. McLaughlin died peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Madison, Wis., at the age of 95.

Jim was born on December 4, 1929, in Beaver Dam, Wis., to Donald and Corinna (Parker) McLaughlin. He grew up in Beaver Dam, graduating from Beaver Dam High School in 1947. Jim married Jean Bell on August 10, 1957, at University Methodist Church in Madison. Education was important to Jim, and he received a bachelor's degree in Light Building in December 1958 from the University of Wisconsin.

After moving to Waukesha, Wis., Jim began his 38-year career as a Fire Protection Engineer, including receiving his certification as a Professional Engineer in 1974. Jim worked in various field engineering and office supervisory capacities for several firms before his 1996 retirement. During these years in Waukesha, Jim and Jean welcomed four daughters to their family. Jim was an active and caring husband and father, engaged in the many facets of family life, including participation in the Ecumenical Institute and First United Methodist Church. Some of the special family memories include Sunday afternoons spent on bike rides, swimming at Buchner Pool, cross-country skiing and ice-skating; multiple family trailer camping vacations across the US; and wilderness canoeing and camping trips.

After retirement, Jim and Jean moved to a lake home, which they named Red Paddle Camp, near Webster, Wis., and continued to be active community members. As a lifelong learner, travel remained a fulfilling activity for Jim, and the couple had many worldwide adventures, including Semester at Sea and Road Scholar trips. Jim also continued his lifelong passion for repairing his house and the houses of family, friends and neighbors, including training volunteers through Habitat for Humanity.

In 2013, Jim and Jean returned to Madison, Wis., the location where they first met so many years ago. During these years, Jim remained an active church member, connected with old friends, and hosted many family gatherings and celebrations for his widespread family, graciously opening his home and sharing his wisdom and resources.

Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean; daughter, Gail Ray and her children, Alex (Elizabeth) and Diane; daughter, Amy (Jay) Ford and their children, Elyse, Meghan and William; daughter, Meg Mattison and her children, Corinna, Sarah, Eric, Laura, Abbie, Rebecca, Emelia, Hannah and Jennie; and daughter, Janet McLaughlin. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Barbara (Paul) McLeod; nephew, Jim (Maureen) Wilson; and nieces, Leanne Nielsen, Karen (Bob) Howard and Katherine (Scott) Schultz. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ralph McLaughlin; sister, Margaret Nielsen; nephew, Chris Nielsen; and his son-in-law, Dennis Wegner.

A memorial service will be held at BETHANY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 3910 Mineral Point Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, with Rev. Brad Mather presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Bethany UMC Property Improvement Fund or Habitat for Humanity. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761