Obituaries : James Leroy \'Jim\' Laughridge

Jim Laughridge

VINTON – James Leroy “Jim” Laughridge, 64, died Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City following a brave battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Life service for Jim will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, October 26, 2015, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton with military rites performed by George G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 and U.S. Navy Funeral Honors. Visitation will follow the service until 5:30 p.m.
Jim was born October 30, 1950, in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Orville L. and Arlene E. Wasendorf Laughridge. He graduated from Washington High School in Vinton.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 6 years, completing 3 tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Vinton.
Jim worked in all areas of construction, particularly tuckpointing. He had most recently worked at Reeds Truck Wash in Urbana.
Jim was a talented designer, whether he was working with wood, painting or landscaping.
Jim is survived by his fiancée, Carol Berger; two sons: David (Destiny) and Michael Laughridge; five grandchildren: Octavia, Victoria, Aydin, Abbigail and Colton Laughridge; three brothers: Steve (Sue), Jerry and Larry (Melanie) Laughridge; three sisters: Carol (George) Dahms, Pat Spolar and Karen (Lee) Burkle; and his beloved dog and best bud, Shane.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Jack, Dale and Les Laughridge; and one sister, Sherry Laughridge.
A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be left at vsrfh.com.