McLauchlin, James A. III

James A. McLauchlin III, Capt. USAF, “Headed West” on January 24, 2018.

Captain James Argyle McLauchlin III, 81, passed away on January 24th, 2018 in Chapin, South Carolina. Jim graduated from Perkins High School in 1954 and Oklahoma State University in 1958. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology, was a member of the Air Force ROTC, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May of his graduating year.

He served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Combat Fighter Pilot flying the F-100 Super Sabre and F-105 D Thunderchief on over seventy missions in Vietnam. Among his medals he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and bravery as an F-105 pilot over the Republic of Vietnam on October 5th, 1965.

After leaving the Air Force he flew as a commercial airline pilot until his retirement in 1991. Jim had a great sense of humor and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and devoted patriot. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nedra, two sons and their wives, Michael and Kerri and Mark and Paula, his sister, Janice, three grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no services. Memorial donations may be made to the charity Fisher House Foundation, Inc. at donate.fisherhouse.org or by calling 888-294-8560.

Published in the Stillwater News Press