James Herbert O'Laughlin

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend — a man who showed up fully for the people he loved, and never stopped.

Born and raised in River Forest and Oak Park, Illinois, Jim graduated from Oak Park-River Forest High School in 1964 and went on to attend Marquette University and Elmhurst College. While serving in the U.S. Army, he met the love of his life, Karen, on a blind date — a chance meeting that would shape everything that followed. They were married on September 16, 1972, and built a life together that took them from Lombard, Illinois, to North Mankato, Minnesota, and eventually to Woodbury, where they made their home.

For 53 years, Karen was at the center of Jim's world. He was equally devoted to his sons, Kevin and Matt, supporting them through every scouting adventure, swim meet, musical performance, and academic milestone. Curious by nature, skilled with his hands, and driven by a servant's heart — he poured his whole self into everything he loved.

Jim's faith was lived quietly and practically. At King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury, he was a cornerstone of the Garden Ministry and the kind of person who kept things running without seeking recognition.

His friendships were treated as family. He invested in relationships over decades, and those bonds bore fruit in family camping trips, shared travels, and the particular joy of friends growing older together.

In his final years, Jim became a cherished grandfather to Quinn, Ryan, and Arthur — a role he embraced with the same wholehearted presence he brought to everything.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert O'Laughlin and Ruth (Goelitz) O'Laughlin. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Karen (Moerke) O'Laughlin; his sons, Kevin and Matt (Jen Snow); his grandchildren, Quinn, Ryan, and Arthur; his brother, William (Bill); and many extended family members, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will carry him with them.

A visitation will be held at 10am, followed by a funeral service at 11am, on Friday, April 17, 2026, at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury. The service will be livestreamed at kingofkingswoodbury.org.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at United Hospital, and to the caregivers at Our Lady of Peace Hospice and Synergy HomeCare for their compassion and dedication.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Jim’s life was grounded in a simple but powerful belief: what matters most is how we care for one another. His legacy is a reminder to be kind—to family, to friends, to yourself, and to those we may not yet know.