BREWER – James L. McLaughlin, 85, of 53 Colonial Circle, died March 1, 2021 after a lengthy illness. He was born Nov. 6, 1935 in Portland, the son of Joseph R. and M. Grace (O’Neill) McLaughlin.

Mr. McLaughlin grew up in Portland’s Munjoy Hill neighborhood and attended local schools. He graduated from Cheverus High School in 1954 and the University of Maine at Farmington in 1960. An Army veteran, he served at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana. After a brief stint as a schoolteacher, Mr. McLaughlin embarked on a career as a bricklayer, and for several years was a member of the Bricklayer’s Local 2 Union in Portland. He helped create numerous buildings in Greater Portland and throughout New England.

Mr. McLaughlin was a longtime friend of Bill W., and a powerful, committed mentor to many friends and acquaintances. His old-school approach helped countless people.

He was the brother of the late Joseph R. McLaughlin, William E. McLaughlin, and Letitia Aceto (all of Portland), and Raymond McLaughlin of South Portland. He leaves a son, Joseph R. McLaughlin and his wife Carolyn, of Brewer, and a daughter, Sabrina A. Murphy of Scarborough, and her husband Mark. Mr. McLaughlin also had five grandchildren, James and Maria McLaughlin of Brewer, and Jack, Grace, and Kathleen Murphy of Scarborough; and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. McLaughlin’s family would like to offer their gratitude to the third-floor staff at The Springbrook Center in Westbrook, for their exceptional care during his final months.