Obituary of James McLaughlin

James Garry McLaughlin was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 5, 1938 to the late James and Marie (Kennedy) McLaughlin. He was a 1956 graduate of St. Mary's Catholic Central High School. Garry had a successful forty year career as a Die Maker at the Monroe Ford Motor Company Stamping Plant until retirement in 1996 as a Die Try-Out Leader. He had the respect of all people he worked with as an extremely skilled Die Maker. He was very instrumental in the development, education, and welfare of his two younger brothers after the early death of their parents. Starting at age eighteen, with the help of Monty and Anna McLaughlin, he provided the leadership, support, help, and love that served them well throughout life. They were well guided by his example and wisdom. To say he lived a full life is a gross understatement. Garry enjoyed family and friends above all else. His past membership included Monroe Rod and Gun Club, Canvas Back Gun Club, Monroe Knights of Columbus and the Moose Lodge. Over the years, he was active in and enjoyed hunting, trap shooting and maybe a beer or two with family and friends. He truly enjoyed and celebrated life to the fullest from start to finish. All would agree that they never heard a bad word spoken about Garry. He possessed exceptional intelligence and an incredible sense of humor. He was an exceptional and close friend, loved by many from all walks of life from "Paupers to Princes." James "Garry" McLaughlin, age 76, of Monroe died peacefully at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital on January 20, 2015 after a battle with multiple organ failures. To cherish his memory he is survived by longtime companion and soul mate: Jane Appleby; two sons: Nick and Scott (Sarena) McLaughlin, both of Monroe; two brothers: Terry (Karen) McLaughlin and Brian (Pat) McLaughlin both of Monroe; seven grandchildren: Kasey, Kelly, Katie, Nikkolas, Alexa, Jade and Tyler McLaughlin; two nieces: Quinn (Josiah) Owen of Greensboro, North Carolina, Danielle (Ron) Complo of Monroe, Michigan; and two nephews: Matt McLaughlin of Charleston, South Carolina and Ryan McLaughlin of Orlando, Florida. Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Friday, January 23, 2015 at Merkle Funeral Service; 2442 North Monroe Street in Monroe (734) 384-5185. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 1:00pm also at Merkle's with Deacon Mike Stewart officiating. Procession will follow to St. Charles Cemetery in Newport for burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to the S.M.C.C. Scholarship Fund in Monroe. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page. In gratitude, the family would like to thank Dr. Javaid, Claudia, Karen, and his excellent staff, Mercy Memorial Hospital, 3-South, emergency room, and ICU as well as their professional team.