James C. MacLaughlin

James C. MacLaughlin, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, June 7, 2024. Jim will be remembered as a loving father and excellent provider, who had a lifelong love of jazz music and dancing with his late wife, Diane. Dad was always there for his wife, children, and grandchildren throughout his entire life. Jim was a lifelong sports fan and loved cheering for his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks.

Born August 31, 1932, to Oscar J. MacLaughlin and Doris H. MacLaughlin in Hot Springs, AR. Jim graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1950, and the University of Arkansas where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Jim followed his late father’s footsteps as a physician when he attained his MD at the University of Arkansas Medical School and then went on to study his specialty in Internal Medicine. Jim had a private practice in Joplin, MO until 1995. He served as Chief of Staff at St. John's Hospital.

Jim served in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lt., Company Commander, 128th Signal Dept Company.

Jim was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Joplin where he was a Deacon and an Elder.

Jim was raised by a widowed Mother, our late beloved Gramee in the 1940s. Starting at the age of 14, he worked his way through college and medical school with numerous jobs including a soda jerk and pharmacy bicycle delivery boy, but mainly as a jazz drummer with 14 different jazz bands including his own band “Four Midnights and a Moon”. He and his bands performed at The Arlington, The Vapors, and many other venues throughout the state of AR.

Jim passed his testing of the 26 drum rudiments administered by The National Association of Rudimental Drummers under the supervision of William Ludwig, founder of Ludwig drums.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, D. Diane Demier, his parents Oscar J. and Doris H. MacLaughlin, and grandson Gabriel Christian Murdock.

He is survived by his daughter Marcia Lyn Murdock, Hot Springs Village, son James C. MacLaughlin (Traci) Atlanta, Thomas R. MacLaughlin (Lynn), Ft. Lauderdale; grandchildren Tyler J. MacLaughlin (Krista), Atlanta, Madison L. Gaydon (Matthew) Atlanta, and their extended families.

A good man who always strived to care for and love his family, made our lives brighter and happier, “Jim, Dad, Daddo” will be sorely missed. A small private family service was held June 7, 2024, at the CedarVale Funeral Home, 200 Minorca Rd, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Golden Paw Pet Rescue of Joplin, MO, (417) 623-0842

https://www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com