John Kenneth McLaughlin

January 21, 1938 – July 15, 2025

John Kenneth McLaughlin passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, John lived life with energy, joy, and an ever-present smile.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on January 21, 1938, and raised in Tuscaloosa, John was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from the University of Alabama in 1960. He remained a lifelong and enthusiastic fan of Alabama football, always cheering on the Crimson Tide.

For 65 years, John was married to the love of his life, Judy Cornett McLaughlin. Their story began on a blind date when he was 17 and she was just 15. On that first night, he looked at her and asked, “Where have you been all my life?” Judy always said not to laugh at his line—it worked. From that moment on, the two were inseparable, and their love and partnership became a bedrock for their family and an inspiration to all who knew them.

John never met a stranger. With his outgoing nature and sense of humor, he had a remarkable ability to light up a room and make people feel at ease. He had a fun-loving personality and a contagious enthusiasm for life. He was quick to offer words of encouragement, always ready with a joke, a warm greeting, or a word of praise.

He was a hardworking and successful businessman, ending his career at GoldKist, where he led the division overseeing animal feed manufacturing plants across the Southeast. He led by example, showing his family the value of hard work and dedication.

An avid outdoorsman, John loved hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature—especially when it meant making memories with his children and grandchildren. He and Judy also shared a love for travel, including memorable trips to Ireland, which held special meaning for John due to his proud Irish heritage. St. Patrick’s Day was always a festive occasion in the McLaughlin household.

John’s love for his family was deep and ever-present. He was a faithful man who lived out his beliefs by how he treated others—with integrity, generosity, and joy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judy McLaughlin; four children: Donna (Robert) Bergeron, Mindy McLaughlin, Mike (Kim) McLaughlin, and Jim (Caroline) McLaughlin; and his grandchildren:

• Donna’s children: John (Meaghan) Woodhouse, Will (Hope) Woodhouse, Anna Woodhouse, Christian Klute, Heather (John) Proctor, and Eric Bergeron.

• Mindy’s children: Katherine Asher, Caroline Grace, Christine Roberts, and Clayton Bond

• Mike’s daughter: Sarah Kay McLaughlin

• Jim’s children: Michael (Katie) McLaughlin, Jenna (Sam) Sayler, Lyndsay McLaughlin, Ann Huffaker, and Matt Huffaker

He is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren; his brother, Jimmy Wayne McLaughlin of Hueytown, Alabama; and sisters-in-law Dianne Donahue McCormack and Bonnie Cornett, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Arthur McLaughlin and Tera Mae McLaughlin.

A funeral service and celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday at Memory Hill Gardens, 2200 Skyland East Boulevard, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 1:00, with the memorial service to follow at 2:00. Flowers are welcome, or memorial contributions may be made to Agape Hospice by visiting www.sagefoc.com.

John had a deep love for people, a gift for joy, and a positive outlook on life that lifted the spirits of everyone around him. His legacy lives on in the family he loved and the countless lives he touched.