Final Salute

James W. Laughner, Jr, 71, of Ocala, Florida, formerly of Warren, Pennsylvania died peacefully on October 28, 2025 in his home.

Jim was born on December 12, 1953 in St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania, the son of the late James W. Laughner Sr. and Gloria Tietjen.

He graduated from Warren Area High School in 1972, then joined the Navy as a Seabee where he spent the next four years.

Jim married the love of his life, Betsy Powell, on October 13,1973. They were married for just over 50 years.

He followed in his father’s footsteps and worked for PennDOT eventually becoming the foreman out of Tiona. After retirement, he and Betsy spent several years traveling in their RV and work camping before settling into their new forever home in Ocala, Florida.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy, and son, Brad Laughner. Surviving are his daughter, Jodi DiPenti and wife Tracy Phillips of Chesapeake, VA, granddaughter, Jessica (Josh) Croyle and Jimmy DiPenti, and three great grandchildren, Xander, Caroline, and Hayden Croyle. Also surviving are his sister, Sandi (Tony) Ceriola and four nephews, Jason Young, Jeremy Young, Zach Swanson, and Joe Swanson.

The family will hold a private celebration of life memorial at a later date in Warren, Pennsylvania
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