Jesse McLaughlin Jr.

Jul 14, 1940 -

Sep 5, 2023

Jesse McLaughlin Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully while at home on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at the age of 83.

Jesse was born on July 14, 1940, in Pittsylvania County, Va., the son of Jesse McLaughlin Sr. and Pearl Thompson, both predeceased. He was the second of six siblings: James, Barbara, John and Robert, all predeceased, and is survived by his sister Shirley.

Jesse graduated from South Side High School in Danville, Va., in 1958. Following graduation, he enlisted and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Jesse served his country bravely and with honor. He is a Purple Heart recipient and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor. After serving his country for 22 years, Jesse retired at the rank Sergeant First Class (E7) in 1982 and settled in Anchorage, Alaska, with his family. He later went on to work, and retire, from the U.S. Post Office.

Jesse is survived by his wife of 61 years, Myrtle; son, Kenneth "Kenny" McLaughlin; daughter, Dana "De De" Heyward (James); five grandchildren, Marcus, Ashley, Jessica (Dejuan), Jordan and Taylor; and five great-grandchildren, Jaylan, Saniah, Leora, Kyrie and Ayla.

Jesse enjoyed and lived his life to the fullest! He was a Raider's fan and never left the house without his Raiders cap on! He was an avid fisherman who would take his camper out for days to enjoy the beauty and solitude of fishing on the Russian River. He loved "Blues" music and could often be heard humming songs from B.B. King, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Muddy Waters. Boniface Bingo was his second home, and they had a special seat that was reserved just for him. He also loved his annual trips to Las Vegas, Nev.!

A memorial service with military honors will be held on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at 9 a.m., at Legacy Funeral Home Chapel, 1707 Bragaw Street in Anchorage.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life Repast at 1 p.m. at Guido's Restaurant, 549 West International Airport Road in Anchorage.