MCLAUGHLIN John James Joseph McLaughlin III's colorful life came to an end on April 3rd, 2013, surrounded by loved ones and his faithful dog, Biscuit. John was 67 years young when he passed, survived by his devoted wife, Louise McLaughlin, his dearly loved children Terri Lynn McLaughlin, John J McLaughlin IV, and Sage Michael McLaughlin; his dearly loved step-children Shanna Murray Michals, Shelley Murray Hartman, and Shea Murray Spice; his loving siblings Myrnanell Mincer, Linda Drury (predeceased), William Myron Wilson, and Mary Theresa Rousseau. He also is survived by seventeen grandchildren. John was born prematurely on July 30th, 1945 in Jacksonville Beach. He was so tiny, he slept in a shoebox for weeks, indicating the type of interesting life he would lead. He grew up in Mandarin, Florida and after graduating from Bishop Kenny High School, he began looking for adventures traveling the world as a merchant marine. He spent the next few years of his life in the U.S. Navy moving between Florida, California, Virginia, and South Carolina and studying at both the University of Florida and the University of South Carolina. He spent many years in South Carolina and he eventually moved back 'home' to Florida creating a new life for himself where he taught and counseled children and families in crisis. His return home also was a return to the faith of his youth, with a renewed spirituality and a focus on imparting love and faith to his family. John was a notorious prankster and this is what many of us who loved him will remember most. He was also a dynamic father, a great confidant and mentor, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Requiem Mass for John will be held on Tuesday, April 9th, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com