James T. "Vance" Mclaughlin

James Trezvance McLaughlin, Jr, "Vance" as most of you knew him, of Valdosta, Georgia, took his final flight from earth on March 4th, 2016. He was 81 years young and celebrated his recent birthday with family and friends. He was born in Winter Haven, Florida on February 18th, 1935 to James T. and Mary Beth (Parrish) McLaughlin. He was a very sweet child but often caused mischief, much to his mother's chagrin. He spoke fondly of his days in Winter Haven and had many good memories there. He then went on to graduate from Odum High School where he played Basketball and continued to cause mischief.
When he was 16, he told his father that he wanted a plane. His Daddy made a deal with him: Vance had to plow, plant, water, and finally harvest a cotton field and if he did all of that, he would help him get the plane. You better believe that he did it. On September 2nd of 1951 it is recorded that he did, alone and unassisted, take off from and return to Brunswick Georgia Airport. And, from there, the sky was the limit. From 1960 until 1964 he was proud to serve in the Army National Guard. Rising in the ranks to Staff Sergeant before being honorably discharged. Vance had a long career as a pilot for the state of Georgia Forestry Commission in fire control putting in 34 years of flying. He never would take a sick day because he said he would rather feel bad in the plane than feel bad at home.
He did, however, come back down from time to time to enjoy the water. You could find him on any given weekend on Long Pond in his beloved Skin Nautique. In later years, he earned the title of "Captain" while having boating adventures on the "Cotton Blossom" and the "McDawg". He was an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan and could be found docked in Jacksonville with a boat full of friends and family for the annual Georgia-Florida game.
He moved to Saint Mary's Georgia in the early 90's, with his wife of 34 years, KK McAllister McLaughlin. They spent many happy years there making lifelong friends and enjoying Jacksonville and the coastal areas. He was a member of the St. Mary's Kiwanis Club, the Florida Yacht club, Jacksonville Bulldog club, and was past president of the Homerville Exchange Club. He and KK are members of Park Avenue United Methodist church.
His family meant everything to him and it was extensive. His sons are Jim McLaughlin (Shannan, Mason, and Zak) of LaGrange, GA. and Brad Youmans (Tammy) of Jacksonville, FL.
His Daughter Ansley Youmans Anderson (Mark) of Omaha, NE.
His brother Lynn McLaughlin (David) of Fort Lauderdale, FL.
And his best friend Johnny Gary (Pam, Brittany, Alexis, Daniel, Aliyah, and Cameron) of Valdosta, GA.
Along with many, many family and friends from both the McLaughlin and McAllister family trees.
Vance never saw a plane, boat, or good glass of scotch that he didn't like. He lived his life to the absolute fullest and then a little bit more. He had the uncanny ability to make everyone feel at ease no matter what the situation. He had a thousand watt smile, easy going personality, and a good joke always ready to be told. He had a twinkle in his eye, a little mischief still shining, that was there until the end. One of his favorite quotes was "Flying is the second greatest thrill known to man...landing is the first."

There will be a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to your choice of charity in his name. Carson McLane Funeral Home is serving the family.

High Flight by John Magee

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunwards I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a thousand things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there,
I've chased the shouting wind along and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air,
Up, up the long delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
Where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of god.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602