Obituary-James McLaughlin

 James McLaughlin passed away suddenly on March 10. He was born on February 14, 1951, in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Jim was the son of Richard Lawton McLaughlin and Margarita Antoinette (Toni “Amy”) McLaughlin.

Jim was the oldest of five. His brother, Marty, passed away on December 14, 2013. He is survived by his younger sister, Susan McLaughlin; his brothers, Michael McLaughlin and Greg (Pancho) McLaughlin; six nephews; his wife, Cindy McLaughlin; and his three beloved fur babies, Georgie, Angus, and Buster.

Jim was raised in Treasure Island Florida, Jim was always a prankster and a rebel; he did things his way. Jim’s parents dropped him off at a military school in northern Florida, and by the time they arrived back home, Jim had already beaten them there.

He went to high school in Arkansas with his cousins, where he learned to BBQ turkeys and pork and to run moonshine.

Jim loved running the intracoastal waterways around Treasure Island in his boat, fishing, driving fast cars, and riding motorcycles. He knew which bridges he could get under that the TI boat police could not. Running his boat, outrunning storms on the Gulf being Jimmy Mac.

Jim helped establish the family business, K-Way, and later opened a local beach restaurant on Treasure Island called Bosco’s with Cindy, named, of course, after his English chocolate lab at the time.

“Big Jim” met his sweetheart, Cindy (CR), at Harry’s Beach Bar on St. Pete Beach at the Sirata Beach Resort, Harrys was managed by Cindy and owned by Jim’s family friends, the Nicklaus’s, around 1984.

Jim and Cindy eloped in 1992. Together, they decided to make Bear Lake their home and moved there in 1993. They first settled in Meadowville, then built the home they live in now- a piece of pride and joy, and a place Jim truly loved.

Jim was known to drive around town and, shall we say, offer a bit of commentary to his friends. You never knew what he might say, but it was always what was on his mind, plain and honest.

After moving to Utah, Jim tried all of Cindy’s hobbies. He was a great sport, even taking up horseback riding- bumpy rides that created many cherished memories. He also attempted to keep up with Cindy on the ski slopes but soon decided that cooking in the parking lot at The Beav was much more his style.

Jim loved camping with his fur babies at Alpine, Mesquite, and Lava, and last summer at The Shanty.

Cooking was how Jim showed his love. Those who knew him will forever miss his lemon bars, nut bars, and- of course- his unforgettable tiramisu.

Jim worked for E.A. Miller as a truck driver for 20 years. Jim and Cindy later opened another restaurant in Garden City, Utah- BoDean’s Bear Lake BBQ & More- a feat that was no easy task. They eventually sold the location to Café Sabor. Jim continued catering, helped Cindy wherever he could, and spent meaningful time with Cindy’s family and their great friends.

He also loved traveling with Cindy and her family, visiting the German cousins, being convinced to go on the Queen Mary, and enjoying several other cruises together.

For the past 25 years, one vacation was always marked on the calendar: Cabo San Lucas at the end of February. Jim loved sitting in his chair, feeling the ocean breeze, watching the waves, and spotting whales in the distance.

December always meant the NFR in Las Vegas for Jim and Cindy. They loved attending every year with friends. Traveling together, spending one‑on‑one time with his wife, family, and his dogs, these things meant everything to Jim.

Big Jim, James, Luther, and Jim Bob- we will miss seeing your big, grumpy face, always knowing there was a smile behind it. Thank you for the wonderful memories and for all the incredible food you shared with us over the years. Jim, you are forever in our hearts.

A heartfelt thank you to the first responders who came to help. They are our friends, neighbors, and true professionals who care deeply about and support our community. To know the voice on the other end of the 911 call was so supporting to Cindy. The numerous messages and calls of support from friends- my pack, as Cindy calls them, would have meant so much to Jim.

As requested by Jim, there will be no funeral or viewing. Please send your personal memories, photos, or cards to PO Box 241, Laketown, Utah 84038. They will be placed with his ashes in a location Jim held dear: The Shanty.

There will be a memorial for Jim at Crepes and Coffee (235 Bear Lake Blvd) on April 17 from 4:00-7:00PM. Friends and family are welcome to stop by, share memories, and celebrate Jim's life. 

In lieu of flowers, Jimmy would have wanted to help care for more fur babies. Please consider donating to ANH Bear Lake at https://anhbearlake.org or by calling (208) 339‑0130 in his memory.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com