Obituary of James Christopher McLaughlin
It is with great sadness that we mourn the death of James (Jim) Christopher McLaughlin. Beloved husband of Maureen for 54 years. Dear Dad to Siobhan (Cesar), Nicola (Aaron) and Fiona. Loving Grandad to Mairi, Dominic, Lucca and Zayn. Godfather to Marion, Gillian, Jennifer and James. And friend to many.
Born during the second world war in Glasgow, Scotland to Jimmy and Jeannie McLaughlin, Jim enjoyed a tight-knit and affectionate upbringing with his two older sisters Rena (Eugene) and Pat (Patrick). He became uncle to six children including his niece Marion with whom he was exceptionally close. After a brief stint in seminary school, Jim attended the Glasgow School of Art where he met his wife Maureen, forged lifelong friendships and developed his skills as an artist and designer.
Jim was a Renaissance man – equally comfortable on the rugby field as he was cooking gourmet meals and teaching classical and modern art. He took an interest in many things from travel to dancing to sport and thoroughly enjoyed healthy debate and conversation. He led Robbie Burns Night celebrations and did the annual address to the haggis. In his retirement he took up sailing and enjoyed many hours on his boat, the aptly named Braveheart. His zest for life, quick wit and sense of humour came through in many interactions. As did his kindness and empathy with others.
Jim believed deeply in the power of education – both in its impact on his own life and the lives of others. Education opened up opportunities for him to design and teach in the UK, Bahamas and Canada. For four decades, Jim taught at Ridley College in St.Catharines. As an art teacher, coach and mentor he inspired many students to work to their own personal best – be it on the field, the stage or an academic setting. He executively produced and set designed a multitude of productions for the school, and enjoyed making art and design more accessible to students of all abilities through engaging lessons, field trips and new technology. Many of his students from over the years kept in touch at alumni events and he always enjoyed hearing their stories and updates.
Jim also had a lifelong passion for rugby – from when he began playing as a teen in Scotland to continuing to play as an adult in the Bahamas and Canada. He founded the St.Catharines Tigers and was a continual champion for rugby within the local community. It was a source of pride that his Ridley teams could compete locally and internationally on tours. Many of his collaborations with fellow coaches and players developed into lifelong friendships that he treasured.
Jim’s family would like to thank his entire medical team at the St.Catharines hospital – especially Dr. Shoebridge, Dr.Wasserman and Anna Limoges who truly went above and beyond in their care for him. He will be deeply missed by his family here in Ontario as well as family in the U.K. and in-laws in Australia, Colombia, France, Scotland and the United States. He had many strong and decades-long friendships around the world. His greatest joy was spending time with friends and family. In his final years he was lucky to have all three of his daughters and their families close by, and he and Maureen enjoyed many happy times with them all.
Family, friends and former colleagues are invited to attend a memorial service at the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton Street on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. to give Jim a worthy send-off. It was Jim’s wish that any donations in-memoriam be directed to student scholarships and bursaries at Ridley College.https://45794.thankyou4caring.org/pages/annual_fund/annual-fund-canadian-donations-new . Please share your condolences at www.georgedartefuneralhome.com. Please join the memorial service by livestream at https://camstreamer.com/redirect/vWq9Ad85zRsnyFigqyp1heT6UCFDWXoXLpQmWVSO