James Gerald McLaughlin, Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep at Serenity Hospice Care RWJBarnabas Hospital in Hamilton, NJ surrounded by family. James was a loving father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend to so many. He was a steadfast and loving husband. As James enters eternal rest he leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 41 years Judith McLaughlin. James was preceded in death by his parents James P. McLaughlin and Ruth M. McLaughlin. As well as two brothers Philip McLaughlin and Theodore McLaughlin. Survived by Aunt June Foss. Survived by brothers Matthew McLaughlin & wife Michelle, Robert McLaughlin & wife Kathy. Sisters Dawn (McLaughlin) Brossoie and Donna (McLaughlin) Gooch. Survived by three sons; James G. McLaughlin Jr, Shawn McLaughlin & wife Donna, and Michael Szczukowski (Joy Brown). Six daughters; Sherry Banning & Husband Brian, Tracy Legette & Husband Eugene, April Jarzyk & Husband Vince, Carleen Thorpe & Husband Christopher, Dawn Nieves & Husband Anthony, Sabrina Dudas & Husband John. James was a loving Grandfather adored by his many grandchildren; Cody McLaughlin, Heather McLaughlin, Stacy Guillemet, Brian Banning, Matthew Legette, Krystle Jarzyk, Michael Jarzyk, Jamie Poli , Steven Thorpe, Christopher Thorpe, Amber Thorpe, Donovan Szczukowski, Soleil Szczukowski, Josephine Nieves, Raymond Nieves, Cheyenne Nieves, Danica Nieves, Anastasia Nieves, Ruth Sazoff, Amber Montervino. As well as many nephews, nieces, and great grandchildren. James Gerald McLaughlin, Sr. was a true original; born on what some might say was the appropriate day of April Fool’s Day left this world with a legacy that will forever echo with laughter and the joy of a life well lived. On that day Trenton, New Jersey welcomed a cowboy into the world, and for 81 incredible years, he saddled up for the adventure of a lifetime. Jim, or “Doc” as he was sometimes affectionately known, was a man of few words. A proud outdoorsman who shared his passions with his many nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Whether casting lines for small mouth bass, chasing rainbow trout, or gunning for pheasant and whitetail deer in his beloved home state of New Jersey; James’s love for the great outdoors was as big as his sense of humor. Lest we forget the time he convinced his son and nephews that a bear was outside their tent by scratching up a tree – a classic Jim prank that will live in family lore. Beyond his outdoor exploits, Jim cherished his favorite titles: Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather. When once asked by his grandson Cody about “what it was like having all them kids” he simply smirked and replied it was “cool as hell” being a dad, even better being a grandfather. He hoped all his progeny would follow that career, which he valued above any other. His humor was infectious, and you knew he liked you if he playfully referred to you as Herman or Henrietta. Jim’s measure of wealth was the love and joy he found in the vibrant tapestry of his family. His legacy isn’t built on bricks and mortar, but on the foundation of the 3 generations of men and women he nurtured and the indisputable mark he left on the hearts of those who knew him. In a world often consumed by the pursuit of material wealth, he stood as a testament to the true treasures of life: family, laughter, and shared moments. He invested wholly in the hearts and characters of his extended family. Rest in peace, Jim McLaughlin – truly the richest man in town. “A big mouth don’t make a big man” – John Wayne, The Cowboys (1972) - Cody McLaughlin – James was a simple man, a man of integrity, loyalty, principles, and boundless wisdom. A man who said what he thought but only when he had something worth saying. A man who held family of the utmost importance and loved his with unwavering dedication. He enjoyed the simple things in life, a quiet life; a good whiskey, a pipe, playing cards with his kids and grand kids listening to them tell stories and laugh. NASCAR races, Rodeo, homemade Chili on a Sunday afternoon. Horseback riding, Hunting, the Serenity of day spent fishing. Cowboy Hats and Boots, Flannel over a shirt and tie, cooking on the grill, playing Quoits, throwing darts in a local bar among friends. Gardening, a Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings, sitting in his favorite chair watching John Wayne movies for the thousandth time. He was kind, he was tough, he worked hard and expected the same from you. That is how he will be remembered. James McLaughlin was a bright light and although the flame has gone out that light will continue to shine on all of us for many years to come. I hope the good Lord likes country music and rodeo. Funeral service will be Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 12 Noon at Kingston & Kemp Funeral Home, 260 White Horse Ave., Hamilton, NJ (www.KingstonandKemp.com). Deacon Robert Tharp will officiate. Private cremation will follow. Relatives and friends may visit on Tuesday from 10 AM until 12 Noon at Kingston & Kemp Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org), Shriner’s Hospitals for Children (loveshriners.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).