ELKHART: James M. "Jim" Laughman, 92, passed away early Saturday morning, October 20, 2018 at Valley View Healthcare. James was born in Elkhart on January 28, 1926 to the late Olen and Bertha M. (Pynaert) Laughman.

He married the former F. Virginia Wolf on January 21, 1949 in Elkhart

He is survived by his two sons, James R. (Shelley) Laughman, Larry L. (Jan) Leininger; 5 grandchildren, Corie (Brent) Culp, Kim (Garrett) Ewen, Kandace (Jason) Collins, James (Amanda) Laughman and Josh Laughman; 8 great grandchildren; brother Richard Laughman and his friend and companion Rosemary Powers survive as well.

In addition to his parents, and wife Virginia, a son Jeffrey Allen Laughman and sister Louise Fisher preceded him in death.

Jim worked in the mobile home industry for most of his career. He retired from Travelcraft and had worked at Elcona Mobile Homes for 20 years. He attended school to become an automotive electrician technician and formerly worked for Knox Auto Electric in the now Green Block in Elkhart.

Jim was a patriot and decorated WWII Marine; he participated in the battle of Iwo Jima in the first wave to hit the Island. He was shot twice and received two Purple hearts. He witnessed the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima.

Jim was a life member and Past Commander of Elkhart DAV #19 and a member of the Bristol American Legion Post 143, and was the oldest surviving member of the Elkhart Marine Corp League.  He was also  a member of the Elkhart Moose Lodge and Eagles Lodge. Jim enjoyed cars, especially Corvettes, golfing and fishing on the weekends at the family cottage at Clear Lake in Three Rivers Michigan.

Services celebrating the life of James M. Laughman will begin at 1:00 pm Thursday, with visitation starting at 11:00 am. on October 25, 2018 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Pastor Tim Sheets will officiate. Burial will follow at Sugar Grove Cemetery, with military honors rendered by the USMC Funeral Honor Guard and Elkhart Marine Corp League Detachment #1397. Please no flowers, kindly remit any donations in Jim's name to Harbor Light Hospice, 1608 E. Day Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545. On-line condolences may be sent to Jim's family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

Harbor Light Hospice
1820 E. Day Road, Mishawaka IN 46545
Tel: 1-574-254-1041
Web: http://www.harborlighthospice.com