James "Jim" McLaughlin

A Funeral Mass for James "Jim" McLaughlin, 84, of Dickinson will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 28, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dickinson with Monsignor Thomas Richter celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery.

Visitation for Jim will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 27th at Stevenson Funeral Home with a rosary and vigil being held at 12:00 p.m.

Jim passed away Friday, September 22, 2023 at St. Benedicts Health in Dickinson.

James “Jim” McLaughlin was born March 1, 1939 at the Hazen Hospital in Hazen, North Dakota. He was the son of Joseph and Alvina (Hein) McLaughlin. Jim graduated from Hazen High School in May of 1956. On June 5, 1961, Jim married Patricia “Pat” Fiest in Beulah. A loving marriage that would last 62 years. They moved to Dickinson in 1964, where they raised their five children.

Jim worked for Northern Improvement Construction Company for over 40 years. His hard work ethic and dedication allowed him to become a Superintendent (Foreman) for the last 15 years of his career.

Jim joined the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49, in 1968. He was an active Union Steward. He served on the North Dakota AFL-CIO executive board for many years. He will always be remembered as a proud 49er. Jim was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party. He served on the Labor Caucus and was delegate to numerous state conventions. Jim always loved a good political debate.

You could always find Jim in his chair reading books related to U.S. History, Politics and the Labor Movement.

He was a big fan of baseball, supporting all levels, from high school to the Big Sticks.

Jim will always be remembered as an advocate for workers’ rights. He installed a legacy of political activism for human rights in his children. He was a true humanitarian. He was deeply devoted to his family and his faith.

Jim is survived by his wife; Patricia “Pat” McLaughlin; children, Debra (Tony) Hellman of Twin Falls, ID., Doug (Denise) McLaughlin of Boise, ID., Wilson (Tammy) McLaughlin of Dickinson, Terasa (Michael) Robinson of Mt. Vernon, WA., Tamarae McLaughlin of Washington D.C.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Geraldine Pavlicek of Dickinson; sister-in-law, Marceal McLaughlin of Hazen, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Alvina McLaughlin; brothers, Joseph and Thomas McLaughlin; sisters, Shirley Ann McLaughlin and Kathleen (McLaughlin) Beck; sister-in-law, Vesta McLaughlin; brothers-in-law, Don Pavlicek and Harold Beck; and mother-in-law, Barbara Fiest.