James Lester Laughlin

James Lester Laughlin, 69, of Forest, Virginia, formerly of Grand Island, NY, died Sunday, January 17, 2010, while surrounded by his loving family.  He was the husband of Kathleen Mary Finn Laughlin.

Mr. Laughlin was born Thursday, June 13, 1940 in Neenah, WI, a son of Alice Smith of Niagara Falls, NY, and the late Lester James Laughlin.  He held various management positions at Lafarge NA, Pine Hill Concrete, Clarence Materials, and Empire Builders Supply in Niagara Falls and Buffalo, New York.  He enjoyed working with the United Way of Central Virginia and volunteering time with the AARP.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Tim Laughlin and wife, Beth, of Forest, and their children, Zane, Shannon and Reed; Mike Laughlin and wife, Paula, of Hamburg, NY, and their children, Alexis and Janna; and Dan Laughlin and wife, Tracie, of Sandy, UT, and their children, Grace, Lucy and Abbie; his sister, Cheryl Bridges and husband, Bill, of Spartanburg, SC; and his brother, Dennis Smith of Niagara Falls, NY.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Helen Laughlin, and a sister, Doris Calabra.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, Virginia.  A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM in the chapel with Chaplain Bryan Harness officiating.

Memorial contributions may be sent to United Way of Central Virginia, 1010 Miller Park Square, Lynchburg, VA 24504; or Hospice of the Hills, 2095 Langhorne Road, Lynchburg, VA, 24501.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, 434-237-9424.