Obituary of James B. Laughton

James Bruce Laughton (Lewiston NY) died peacefully and surrounded by love on Friday, December 18, 2009. He was born March 11, 1914, son of James and Mary Ellen (Ball) Laughton, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. Jim attended Niagara University before joining his father in Laughton BLD. Co., Niagara. In 1955 he moved to Lewiston and became a U.S. Citizen. He worked as job foreman for W.S. Johnson BLD. Co. until his retirement in 1978. Jim was Clerk of the Works for the present Lewiston Library. He spent many years as a business volunteer at Mount St. Mary's Hospital. Jim was a veteran of WW II; training with the Royal Canadian Engineers at McGill University and later stationed at Halifax, NS with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was an avid golfer, winning two club championships at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club. He continued playing golf well into his eighties as a member of the Niagara Falls Country Club. Jim also loved to play bridge with his friends at NFCC up until the time of his death. He was a 50 year member (32nd Degree) Mason and member of Carpenters Local Union #289. He belonged to the First Presbyterian Church, Lewiston. Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie (Hill) of Lewiston; his son, David and daughter-in-law Margie of St. Charles, IL, and daughter, Deborah Laughton of Niagara-on-the-Lake. His five grandchildren are Cassidy Gillespie (husband, Mitsunori Fukushima) at Hillcrest Inn, Niagara Falls, NY; Spencer Smith, Amherst, MA; Ivy Smith, Boston, MA; Mary Beth Laughton (husband, Brad Rodreguis) Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and Matthew Laughton (wife Aunie), Chicago, IL. Two great-grandchildren: Isabella Fukushima, age 3, who regularly made her "BaBa" laugh with her attentive use of her doctor's kit, and his family's newest addition of Cayden Laughton, aged 6 mos. Jim is survived by one nephew, Peter Laughton of King City, ON and a niece, Allene Niemiec, Boca Raton, FL. A family memorial service is planned for the spring at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Niagara-on-the Lake. Jim's family wishes to thank Niagara Hospice for its excellent care and wonderful support during and after his illness. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston, NY.