James (Jim) Raymond McLaughlin
April 11, 1936 – October 24, 2025

James (Jim) Raymond McLaughlin, 89, of Barberton, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on October 24, 2025, in the comfort of his home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on April 11, 1936, in Barberton, where he was a lifelong resident.

Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, enlisting in 1953 at the age of 17. As a proud “Tin Can Sailor,” he served aboard the USS Bache (DD-470) during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1957. Following his military service, Jim enjoyed a 39-year career as a lineman with Ohio Edison.

A devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jim’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He loved holiday gatherings, traveling, and taking long walks with his grandchildren. A familiar face at local donut shops, Jim cherished simple pleasures—sipping coffee, smoking his pipe, and sharing stories and laughter with his friends. He was an avid Cleveland sports fan and loyal Ohio State supporter, often requesting that family events be planned around Buckeye football games. He also enjoyed watching his favorite John Wayne and Gunsmoke movies featuring Matt Dillon.

Jim was a longtime member of Barberton First Church of Christ, where his faith and fellowship were an important part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alberta Flora Baylor and Robert Oliver McLaughlin; stepfather, Glen Baylor; mother-in-law, Mary Emma Poder; siblings, Joanne McLaughlin Steese, Robert Oliver McLaughlin III, and Bruce Douglas McLaughlin.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Karen Louise Mclaughlin, who he spent 43 wonderful years with; his children James (Debbi) McLaughlin, Laurie (John) Pierrot, Dan McLaughlin, Teresa (John) Darke, Tammy (Todd) Rennie, Todd (Lisa) Wiley, Christy Gosen, and Lance (Deana) Wiley; 20 grandchildren, Zachery (Cayla) Gosen, Lindsey Gosen, Malyn Nolan, Kyle Brady, Jason (Jessica) McLaughlin, Sammi (Eric) Harmon, Danelle (Dave) Kammer, Kayla (Justin) Oberlin, CJ (Victoria) Wiley, Gary (Nicole) Brasiel, Amanda (Dillon) Morehead, Coleene (Michael) Taylor, Stormi (Clarke) Cornelius, Tessa (Eric) Babcock, Cheyenne Wiley, Chayce Wiley, Ashton (Jake) Shultz, Bryan (Kim) Pierrot, Kellie (Evan) Schweinfest, and Christopher (Brittany) Thompson; and 34 great-grandchildren, Elijah, Logan, Corra, Evander, Skylar, Owen, Ash, Jason, Madeline, Aubrey, Andrew, Jaclyn, Bryce, Maddie, Emma, Tucker, Gracie, Wyatt, Brieana, Sean, Eli, Theo, Charlotte, Ellie, James, Addie, Jack, Kennedy, Caleb, Lyla, Lexi, Zeke, Alaina, and Avery.

Jim will also be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, and his church family. His contagious laughter, sharp wit, and loving heart will be remembered by all who knew him.

A special thank you is extended to Heartland Hospice for their care, love, and support.

Friends may call on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cox-McNulty Funeral Home, 222 Norton Avenue, Barberton, Ohio 44203.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Barberton First Church of Christ, 552 Harvard Avenue, Barberton, Ohio 44203.
Interment will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Barberton First Church of Christ or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.