1ST SGT James Donald Laurin, 94, of Sagamore Hills, OH, passed away on September 12th, 2026. Born on October 31st, 1931, in Rochester, NY to Joseph & Florence (nee Harmor).
Proud to answer the call of duty at a young age, James served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps achieving the rank of First Sergeant. He served during the Korean War and came back home to civilian life working at Rochester Telephone Corp. In 1966 his Marine Corps company commander had put him in for temporary warrant officer in Vietnam where he served for 3 years. The discipline, honor, and camaraderie he learned as a Marine stayed with him throughout his life, shaping his character with which he approached every challenge. Semper Fidelis.
Following his 27 years of honorable service, James worked as a lineman at New Jersey Bell retiring in1994. In 2006 he and his wife Rosemarie moved to Ohio where he lived out his final years. His zeal for life was so evident in all he did. He went back to the workforce for a few years, challenged himself physically & mentally by acquiring new hobbies along the way, and loved to participate in the patriotic musicals at church.
He was an expert at crossword puzzles, loved a good cup of coffee with burnt toast, and enjoyed bird watching. His life was filled with incredible experiences that he always shared in the most elaborate and wild way and had a knack for “sarge sayings” that became synonymous with who he was.
He is survived by his children Caroline Oldsey (Joseph), Maggie Laurin Allsop, Beth Shirey (Eric), Larry Ross (Sally),Tom Laurin(Vivian), Jamie Laurin (BettySue), Mark Laurin (Stacy), Grandchildren Jenifer Skala (Jason), Joe Oldsey (Jennifer), Grayson Shirey, Matt Locklear, Sean Locklear (Rachel), Cory Locklear (Jessica), Melanie Laurin, Haley Scott, Meredith Scott, Sylvia James (Jesse), Rebecca Clegg, Lisette Salcedo, Christi Ramirez, Charisse Eldridge, Chaundice Eldridge, Cecilia Eldridge, Cher Eldridge, Wesleigh Eldridge, Rebecca Eldridge, numerous great grandchildren, niece Amy Langley, and dear friends The Cesnans.
He was preceded in death by his wife Rosemarie Laurin, sister Judy George, daughters Jody Scott, Melissa Laurin, Kristin Mattox, son William (Billy) Ross, granddaughters Melissa Laurin, Catherine Navarro, and grandson Jonathan Newlin-Laurin.
A special thank you to Crossroads Hospice, The VA Pact team, VA Direct and additional caretakers the last months of his life Cate, Vivienne, Georgia, & River.
A private family farewell was held on September 15, 2026, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Funeral Arrangements by Busch Romito Funeral Home, Northfield Center, OH.
www.buschcares.com
