LOUGHRAN, James “Jim” M. Age 86, of Dedham, passed away peacefully at home, on January 12, 2026, with his wife of 61 years, Ruth A. (Higginbotham) Loughran and children by his side.
Born August 19, 1939, he was raised in Somerville. Jim attended St. Clement High School, earned his bachelor's degree from Boston College and his Juris degree from Suffolk Law School. He served in the US Navy (FIIG) stationed out of Pensacola, FL. Jim was a Selectman in Winthrop and the first Executive Secretary for the Town of Dedham. He was the Co-Founder of Contentment Corner Child Care with his wife Ruth. He was also the General Foreman of the Dedham Public School System and CEO of Massachusetts Public Services.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; his seven children, Ed Loughran (Carolyn) of Walpole, Matt Loughran of Newton Centre, Rob Loughran (Karen) of Natick, Mary Kate Loughran (Mary Jo) of Easthampton, Michael Loughran (Amanda) of Valencia, CA, Elisabeth Caruso (Carl) of Norwood, and Kevin Loughran (Haley) of North Attleboro, 15 grandchildren, and his sisters, Sister Catherine Loughran of Framingham and Mary Smyth (Joe) of Hamden, CT; and a large extended family.
Jim will be remembered for always being the life of the party, his countless friends, his sense of humor, his entrepreneurship, his love for Irish music, his love for his family, and long devotion to Ruth.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham on Monday, January 19th from 4-8pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday, January 20, at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Reception to follow. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory to My Brother's Keeper would be gratefully appreciated.