James J. McLaughlin, 95, of Avon-by-the-Sea, passed away peacefully on December 16th, surrounded by his family. He enjoyed a long and happy life and leaves behind a legacy for love of family, friends and life itself. 
Jim loved the beach, traveling to Ireland, dining out, Irish music. He collected friends everywhere he went and enjoyed socializing with his sizable group of friends and family. He loved to throw parties and “work the room.” He was also a beloved cook “famous” for many dishes, including Irish soda bread, Manhattan clam chowder and onion bread as well as his fantastic home-grown tomatoes.
After serving in the Navy, Jim joined the Newark Fire Department where he served 1951-1981. He later worked as a Principal Safety Inspector for the state of NJ. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW, and the Belmar Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, as well as many other civic and social organizations.
Born in Newark, Jim lived there until moving to Avon (his beloved “Camelot”) in 1982. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Eileen, his parents, Elizabeth and Patrick, and stepfather, Patrick Egan, as well as brothers Jack McLaughlin and Jerry Egan, sisters Mary Harrington and Dorothy Devenny. He is survived by his children, Brian of Howell (Christa), Kevin of Montclair, MaryEllen Mueller (Ron) of Howell, Carolyn of Avon, sister Nancy Tully of Avon, and his cherished granddaughters Beth Mueller Papalcure (Greg), and Meagan Mueller. 
Visitation will be Monday, December 19, 2022, from 4-8 pm at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, 11am at St. Elizabeth Church, 424 Lincoln Ave. Avon,` burial will follow in St. Anne’s Cemetery, Wall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Avon First Aid, P.O. Box 3 Avon, NJ 07717 or the Bradley Food Pantry, 605 4th Avenue Bradley Beach, NJ 07720. For more information or to send condolences please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.