James J. McLaughlin

James John McLaughlin, 84, of Springvale, died on April 14, 2006 at the Kennebunk Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Jim was born on February 14, 1922 in East Brady, PA, a son of John James and Mary Margaret (Adams) McLaughlin.After graduating high school, Jim enlisted in the Army/Air Force and subsequently survived the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was stationed at Wheeler Air Force Base. Jim received degrees in Physical Education, Athletics and College Administration from Slippery Rock State Teacher's College, Purdue University and Boston University.Jim met his wife, Joan Ann Walsh while working as a counselor at Twin Lake Camp for Boy's in Brandon,VT. The two were married in 1952 and in 1959 moved from Yonkers, New York to Springvale, Maine, where Jim took on the job of Athletic Director at Nasson College."Mac" (as he was known) was instrumental to the development of Nasson's Athletic Program, including the Naismith Tournament, Shaw Field, and the Recreation Area at Beaver Hill. As Dean of students Mac had a reputation of being tough but fair, always available, ever present, and passionate about every young person being given the opportunity of an education. His colleagues identified him as an excellent speaker, author, and friend. After the closing of Nasson College in 1983, Jim became the President of Unity College.Jim served the village of Springvale and town of Sanford as chairman of the Finance Committee, Warrant Committee, Town Meeting member, Charter Commission, Selectman, Superintending School Committee and Police Commissioner to name a few of his volunteer elected jobs. In addition Jim served the State of Maine on Governor Reed's Humanities Committee, and other State Committees. Last fall, Mac was honored by several hundred alumni of Twin Lake Camp at a gathering in Burlington, VT. The "Boys of Summer" now men came from all over the world to say thank you to those who had effected their lives so many summers ago. Mac had touched their lives for twenty-seven years as head counselor. They are now heads of major corporations, authors, artists, manufacturers, teachers, doctors and lawyers, and still consider Mac their mentor.Jim is survived by his wife, Joan Ann, his daughter, Mary Lou McLaughlin of Marblehead, MA and her two sons, James Francis and Patrick Kenneth Trout, son, Michael Francis and his wife and six children from Queen Anne, Maryland, aunt, Martha Richey of East Brady, PA.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday April 18 at 9am at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Springvale.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, Portland Office, 163 Lancaster Street, Portland, ME 04101.Condolences may be expressed by going to the "condolence" tab to the left.