Fresno, California - Dr. Edward James McLaughlin II, a resident of Fowler, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, January 10, 2021 at the age of 90, at Fresno Community Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Julie; his four daughters, Cathy McLaughlin, Laurl Sisco, Mary Ferris, and Nancy McLaughlin; his stepsons, Michael Brajkovich and wife, Maren, and Matthew Brajkovich; grandchildren, Miles, Alexis, Matthew, Joshua, Madeline, Jamie Marie, Abigail, Aveah, Mila, and Ziah; and great-grandchildren, Isabella, Alani, and Izrael. James was born in Clinton, Iowa, on October 26, 1930, the only child of Edward and Martha McLaughlin. He graduated from medical school at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, was inducted into the U.S. Air Force as a general medical officer, and then specialized in radiology. He interned in Phoenix, Arizona, practiced briefly in southern California, and then moved to Fresno. “Dr. Mac,” as he was affectionately called by colleagues and friends, co-founded Wishon Radiology which served the California Central Valley, including Valley Children’s Hospital (of which he was most proud), for decades. He was senior partner, retiring in 1996, however as one cannot keep a good man down, he soon returned to medical practice part-time until 2014, at the age of 84. Spring 2021
James’ first wife, Nancy, passed away after 29 years of marriage. He remarried in 1988, to Julie, to whom he remained married, residing in Fresno and then nearby Fowler. Besides his profession as a “miracle worker,” James was a gentleman farmer of pistachios (one of the first in the San Joaquin Valley) and grapes, an avid sports fan of the Fresno State Bulldogs, competitive marksman shooter in his younger years, collector of Mesoamerican and other artifacts, and member of the Knights of Columbus. James enjoyed traveling to foreign countries and especially spending time with family at their vacation homes in Lake Tahoe, Palm Desert, and Carlsbad, sharing endless stories with his grandchildren. James enjoyed life, and he embraced the day with cheerful morning hollers of “Tempus Fugit!” (time flies), and “Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country!” James Edward McLaughlin, lived a full and honorable life-respected, cherished, and loved by his family, friends, and colleagues-and passed peacefully with his devoted wife at his side. Dr. McLaughlin was a member of the Fresno Madera Medical Society for 57 years. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, private services will be held.
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