James McLaughlin
James L. McLaughlin, age 79, of Burnsville, passed away on Saturday June 9th peacefully at home after a courageous twelve yr. battle with cancer.
Preceded in death by parents, Leon and Martha; sister, Jean Ann Jensen; and nieces, Debbie and Cheri.
Survived by wife, Diane; sons, David (Wendy), Steven, Kevin, Mark (Stephanie); sister, Marcia Chalgren (Bill); brothers-in-law, Lamar and Robert Walters (Harold); and granddaughter, Donna Meyer.
He was born in Mankato Minnesota in 1932, graduated High School in 1950, and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1954.
He joined the U.S. Navy’s Aviation Officer Candidate program, entering flight training in Pensacola, FL before being commissioned in Corpus Christi, TX. After receiving his wings, he joined the VA-125 “Rough Raiders” in 1956 where he flew the Douglas A-1 Skyraider (“Spads”) aboard the USS LEXINGTON (CV-16). He served a total of 12 years between active duty and the reserves and left the Navy as a Lieutenant Commander.
In 1958 he joined Northwest Airlines, where he flew for 34 years until his retirement as a 747 Captain in 1992.
After retirement, he enjoyed nearly 20 more years of summers spent at the cabin on Roosevelt Lake, where he liked to fish and play golf.
We would like to thank the nurses and Dr. Dien at MOPHA and Curt and Cindy at Hospice Advantage for all the care they have given to Jim.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society (towards Lymphoma & Leukemia Research) or Hospice Advantage at 18472 Kenyon Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044.
“And God’s Finger Touched Him and He Slept”. Funeral service 12 noon, Tues., June 26th, 2012, at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church 5025 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419; visitation one hour prior to service and reception to follow.
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