James McLaughlin

james mclaughlin

James R. McLaughlin, 86, Fargo, North Dakota passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, in Sanford Health Palliative Care Center.

James R. McLaughlin was born June 28, 1925.  He grew up and attended school in Bismarck, ND.  On August 8, 1946 he married Dorothy L. (Eisenmann) McLaughlin, the love of his life.  During his college career and after graduation, he worked for Ulteig Engineers in Bismarck.  Following graduation from UND in 1948 with a BS Degree in Civil Engineering, they lived in Bismarck until 1953 when they moved to Fargo, North Dakota.  He worked for 40 years at Ulteig Engineers, Inc. until retirement in 1987.  He served as the president of Ulteig Engineers, Inc. from 1975 to 1987.  He has been recognized with the UND Alumni Association’s Sioux Award and Greater North Dakota Association’s Community Leadership and Natural Resources Awards.  He received the Silver Antelope, Silver Beaver and Baden Powell awards from the Boy Scouts of America, also earning the Melvin Jones Award from the Lions for community service.

Jim’s contributions to our region are many, especially in regards to his flood relief efforts, his knowledge and skill of engineering, and his passion for baseball.

McLaughlin is a past chair of the Board of the former Fargo Chamber of Commerce, where he also served on many committees.  He is a past president of the Boy Scouts of America-Northern Lights Council, where he also served on the Advisory Board.  McLaughlin chaired the Fargo Moorhead Council of Governments Water Resource Committee and the United Way of Cass-Clay Fund.  He served on the steering committee for the FARGODOME and had been on its building committee since its inception.

Over the years, McLaughlin served as chairman of the Southeast Cass Water Resource District, the Cass County Joint Board and the Red River Joint Board, which includes all boards from South Dakota to Canada.  He also participated in the Sheyenne Diversion Project from 1990 to 1992.  Bruce Furness, Fargo Mayor from 1994 to 2006, said McLaughlin’s analysis of the need for additional water supply in Eastern North Dakota was extremely helpful to Fargo leaders.  “Jim was able to consolidate information and make recommendations on what would be needed in Fargo,” said Furness.  “His years of experience and involvement were invaluable to the City in determining future water requirements.”

McLaughlin served on the Fargo American Legion Baseball Committee for 40 years and was vice chair for the 1983, 1992 and 1995 American Legion World Series.  In 1976, he was awarded “Fan of the Year” and in 2007 he was inducted into the Fargo American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame.  He also developed and was curator of the Roger Maris Museum for over 20 years and was a driving force in working with the Park Board to develop the Roger Maris Gardens at Jack Williams Stadium and also the monument and Roger Maris Drive at Lindenwood Park.  A tournament was named in his honor and Fargo Post #2 will host the 15th Annual Jim McLaughlin Junior American Legion Baseball Tournament this June.

Jim and Dorothy’s love of baseball led them to travel and they enjoyed baseball games in all but 2 Major League Ballparks.  He was a Twins fan until the end.

He is survived by 5 sons, Tim (Jody), Lake Stevens, WA, John (Cheri), Grand Junction, CO, David, Fridley, MN, Jerry, Coon Rapids, MN, Robert, Fargo, ND; 3 daughters, Mary Henley, Fargo, ND, Jane (Michael) Whitt, Martha (Earl) O’Neal, both Rifle, CO; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy and his only brother, Hugh D. McLaughlin.

Memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley, American Legion, Boy Scouts, the American Heart Association, or Sunday TV mass.

A full obituary will be posted at a later date.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Highlands Ranch COLORADOHI Jerry. It has been awhile since I have seen you, and my parents were sure to let me know about your Mother, and now your Father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care, and keep in touch about how you are doing. Take Care, Beth McGarvey

  2. Casa Grande AZ
    Jim McLaughlin was an oustatdning man with unsurpassed dedication to North Dakota
    in general and Fargo in particular.

    His accomplishments are many and his committment to the public service were unbound. Hre was always ready to serve for the greater good of Fargo.

    He was modest and di everything with diligence and compassion.

    He was aong those who put go in Fargo.

  3. Thief River Falls MnThinking of the McLaughlin Family at this time…Jim was a very well respected Man in the Community and mine as well. Hugs to you all~

  4. Fargo North Dakota
    We have all lost a valued member
    of our community and the Holy
    Spirit Catholic Church. I believe
    that Jim was a charter member
    dating back to about 1951. He was
    very active in many church functions
    and will be missed. My children and
    his were classmates at Shanley High
    School. Jim goes to meet his maker
    with a portfolio filled with many pluses,his life time was full of awards
    for his achievements.

    Henry LaBore

  5. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. I will keep you in my thought and prayers during this difficult time.

  6. Apple Valley MN
    I’m sorry to hear the passing of your dad. May he rest in peace. I’ll keep your whole family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

    Melody Janke (Dilger)

  7. Chandler ArizonaMy condolences to all of you. I remember Jim from the Fargo North hockey days and he was a very avid fan. I remember Jim as being a very classy man who had an immense love for his family.
    Best regards,
    Don Dumais

  8. Minnetonka MN
    Jerry and Family

    My thoughts and prayers to you and your family, and I am sorry for your loss.

    Greg Brodersen

  9. Fargo ND
    Jim was one of the nicest people I ever met in my time as a player and coach at Fargo. Post #2 baseball is what it is because of Jim. He was very humble and never wanted any fuss about what he did, but he did a lot and there are hundreds of us ex-players and coaches who benefitted from his efforts. Thank you, Jim. You were one of a kind.

  10. Fargo ND
    What a special person Jim was. I had the pleasure of working with him on many community efforts. His leadership left a mark on numerous Fargo Moorhead projects. We should all be very thankful for the life of Jim McLaughlin

  11. Peoria ILDear McLaughlin family, please accept my sympathies at the death of your beloved dad. I always enjoyed your parents so much. I sent my dad to welcome him to heaven! Please know that you are all being remembered in prayer. May Jim rest in blessed peace.

  12. Houston TX
    The world lost a great citizen today. An engineer, entrepreneur, activist, traveller, museum curator, sports fan, but most of all – a family man. An amazing role model for men about how to be a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. A man who knew the meaning of hard work, yet always found time to toss a baseball or enjoy ice cream. A man who knew that it was okay to cry. A true gentleman.

    And I am the luckiest girl in the world because he was my Grandpa.

    I take solace in the fact that he is once again with his true love, Dorothy, in heaven. There has never been a marriage like that one. Pure, unconditional love.

    RIP Grandpa Jim, I’m forever grateful for your teachings.
    Love,
    Patty

  13. Fargo ND
    Jim will surely be missed. I always enjoyed taking with him at Legion Baseball games. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Cindy Parmer

  14. Buckeye ArizonaWe are so sorry to hear of JR’s passing. Our love goes out to his family especially Sheila and Tim.

  15. Dad, You are one of a kind and will be greatly missed. A rock and foundation that will last through time. Lessons taught and learned are now more important than ever. Say hi to Mom.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide