James "Jim" E. McLoughlin III

James Edward McLoughlin, III spent his final days at home with his family nearby, providing him with the love and support he has always bestowed upon them. James, Jim, Jamesy, was born in Boston to Catherine (Tucker) and James Edward McLoughlin, II as the New Year began in 1936. As a boy, his family lived in Brighton, Hyde Park, and Mission Hill. He was a graduate of Mission Church High School where he first began dating the woman with whom he would go on to share over 70 years of marriage, Marian Mehegan. After graduation from high school, Jim joined the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He married Marian during his time in the Air Force and they started their family. They settled in Mission Hill as their family grew and Jim attended Northeastern University, graduating with a BS in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, Jim began a long career as a Boston Traffic Engineer, helping to develop modern traffic signals and controls, synchronizing traffic signals and mentoring many co-op students. Jim took great pride in his work and was a dedicated employee, asking his children to takes notes about what needed attending as he drove through the city. He settled his growing family in Hyde Park before retiring to Cape Cod. Jim enjoyed many memorable summers and winters in Groton on Lost Lake with extended family. It was his dream to build a home in East Sandwich, where he could be close to his extended family. He had many fond memories of his childhood with his aunts, uncles, and cousins in Sandwich. In retirement his focus became managing the woods, land and many natural fruits found and cultivated at his home.

James received his strong faith foundation starting with his family, growing through his education at Mission Church Schools. He was an active volunteer at Mission Church and took his experiences continuing to grow his faith in each successive parish he joined. In recent years, he was a member of Our Lady of Hope in Barnstable and provided assistance with transportation and fellowship for another parishioner, a stranger initially, who sat near him.

James was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, Papa, and great grandfather. He cherished each of the special relationships, keeping track of important events, family members’ health and well- being right up to his last days. Jim opened his heart and his home to many relatives over the years, providing a home, or comfort and support to those in need. He made it his mission in life to provide his wife with the family home she deserved.

Jim had a few well-worn words to live by, including the “5 Ps” (Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance) and “use the right tool for the job.” As a result of this last belief, he accumulated a plethora of very specific tools and gadgets. He was always generous to lend a tool or gadget, making sure the borrower knew it was a loan. His generosity throughout his life was expansive, providing a place to stay for extended family when needed and providing endless trips to the airport to pick up or drop off one relative or another.

Jim took great joy and pride in his family and their accomplishments. His grandchildren knew no bounds to his support and love. He delighted in the mischief of their childhoods and supported their adult aspirations and accomplishments as well. His brilliant smile watching graduations and attending Weddings and Baptisms showed his joy. With his warm smile and resonating voice, he was the favorite of his many great grandchildren.

He enjoyed a long retirement and made good use of his time helping others. In addition to being a Mason and a Shriner he made time to provide support for his family, donating platelets for a niece, providing care for children and grandchildren, and supporting friends and relatives in the community. He visited home bound family and neighbors to play cards, delivering meals on wheels and providing support for his bride’s many pursuits in community involvement.

Jim faced many health issues over the last 20 years. He faced cancer with a resolve that carried him through many challenging treatments. As he sought treatment for making his heart as healthy as possible over these last 12 years, he left no avenue unexplored, researching treatments, medications, and procedures and challenging his providers to see him as a vital person in his family and community. He was resourceful and determined in all pursuits. As time went on, Jim found a way to adapt to his physical limitations. When he could no longer walk a distance, in his woods, he placed chairs at intervals so he could continue to enjoy his yard work but still take a break when necessary.

James is survived by his loving wife, Marian(Mehegan); 3 children and their spouses: James Edward, IV (Donna), Kerin (Robert Johnson), and Megan McLoughlin- McAuliffe(Thomas); 2 brothers and their wives: Francis (Marie) and Vincent (Susan); 14 grandchildren and their spouses, Kathryn Hooper (Garrett), Hannah Johnson (Eric Boucher), Kelley McGuire (Sarah), Kathleen Joyce (Adam), Connor Johnson, James Edward McLoughlin, V (Danielle), Liam Johnson, Erin McLoughlin, Tucker McLoughlin, Thomas McAuliffe (Madeline), Mary McLoughlin, Aidan McAuliffe, William McAuliffe, and Michael McLoughlin; 9 great grandchildren: Colin, Penelope, Jackson, Rory, Charlie, Emma, Thea, Thomas James, and Elizabeth Ruth; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. James was predeceased by his brother, John, many in-laws, cousins, friends, and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the wonderful providers in the Veteran’s Administration who took great interest in his needs and provided wonderful care, the Fisher House, as well as providers from Care-well Home Health, Quality Care Home Care, and the Cape Cod Hospice VNA who supported us all in these last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The Fisher House Foundation @ fisherhouse.org or Fisher House foundation PO BOX 791598, Baltimore, MD 21298-7954.

Visiting hours will take place on Wednesday March 5th from 4-7PM at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Route 6A, Sandwich, MA; A Mass of Christian burial will take place at Our Lady of Hope Chapel, 1581 Main St, West Barnstable, MA at 11AM on Thursday March 6th, burial will follow at Massachusetts National Cemetery with full military honors at 1:45PM.