He was born on Nov. 11, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wis. He was the son of James (Jack) and Jean (Wingfield) Read Jr..
He is survived by his mother, Jean McLaughlin of Peoria, Ill.; one sister, Jane Tapia of Dunwoody, Ga.; and one brother, Jeff and his wife, Patti Read, of Chicago, Ill. He also is survived by one niece, one nephew, one great-niece and two great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father and his stepfather, F.C. "Mac" McLaughlin.
Jim participated in Special Olympics and one of his passions of life was his love of coffee, especially Starbucks. He loved to travel, and he never told a lie. He never knew what a lie was. He was truly a special individual to his loving family and to all he met.
Cremation rites have been accorded. The Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to ABLE Flight, c/o Treasurer, 103 Dumbarton Court, Cary, NC 27511.
You may create an online condolence at www.woolsey-wilton.com.