In January 1993, I, as a postdoctoral researcher from China, joined Dr. McLaughlin’s Medicinal Chemistry Lab at Purdue University.  Everything was new to me — the research, the culture, and especially the cold Indiana winter.

One weekend, Dr. McLaughlin invited me to go ice fishing. It was a freezing day, the kind of winter cold that makes the air sting your face and I was shivering. We arrived at the frozen lake, Dr. McLaughlin, quickly set up a small tent on the ice, drilled a hole, and prepared his fishing line. Within minutes, the line began to move. With a swift, practiced motion, he pulled up a lively fish, it was a bluegill, wriggling and sparkling against the ice. That was the first time I had ever witnessed ice fishing, and I was excited and fascinated. Smiling warmly, Dr. McLaughlin handed me the line and encouraged me to try. To my delight, I soon caught a few bluegills myself.  What a wonderful experience that was! And Dr. McLaughlin laughed like a boy as the fish jumped around, 

When we returned to his home — a charming country cottage surrounded by tall trees and a small creek — Dr. McLaughlin cleaned the fish and roasted them with potatoes. Sitting together in his cozy kitchen, sharing those freshly caught fish and buttered potatoes, I enjoyed what felt like the most delicious meal of that winter.

That simple outing remains one of my fondest memories. Dr. McLaughlin was not only a brilliant scientist but also a kind and generous mentor who welcomed his students into both his lab and his life. Even now, when I think back to that cold winter day, I remember the warmth of his spirit — and how he helped me, a young researcher from a faraway land feel truly at home.

I am so sorry to hear now of the loss of a great mentor.  I am one of his doctoral student (1994-1998) at Purdue.   Jerry visited us in Jordan more than once and I got lucky to meet him.  So many memories I share with “Boss”; the name we used to call him. Rest in peace. 

My sincerest condolences for the loss of Jerry. I don't think about him very often but upon hearing of his passing I do wish I had made more a concerted effort to get in contact with him, meet him, and perhaps get to know him.  He certainly seems like a very accomplished man, I'm curious about his personality and his interests away from work. Perhaps one day I'll get a chance to meet up with Angie and Andy and learn more about him. 

Just saw this notice & wanted to share my interaction. My father in law received a Stage IV lung cancer diagnosis with a grim (3-6 month) prognosis several years ago. He lived for 11+ years beating that by somewhere between 20-40 times. While he was alive I sent a brief note thanking Dr. McLaughlin for his work and sharing the impact on our family as my father in law was able to see three grandsons born and grow into adolescence that, I truly believe would not have realized, without his daily dose of Paw Paw. Dr. McLaughlin hand wrote me a letter sharing that Purdue grad students continued to study after his retirement Paw Paw and had isolated over 50 compounds (at that time). He actually gave me his phone number/s and I made a call some months later alongside my father, a brilliant naturopathic researcher himself, which was a true pleasure. I sincerely hope Dr. McLaughlin gets recognition for his amazing contribution to humanity. My belated condolences.

Although I listed myself as a coworker with Dr. Jerry, I consider myself more a student, ardent admirer and friend. Jerry was a brilliant, gentle soul who so willingly shared his extensive knowledge. I feel blessed to have had him stay with our family when he came and taught hundreds of us on Vancouver Island about the benefits of Paw Paw for cancer. I am grateful for his approval of The Paw Paw Program - my book based on the herb to which he dedicated a large portion of his research career. His years of work to educate people about this life saving herb has benefited the lives for so many.

He spoke fondly of his outdoor adventures with his son in Alaska. I am sure he will be missed by many, but has left a wonderful, meaningful legacy.

Jerry and I were co-workers at Nature's Sunshine Products in Utah. We were all aware of his distinguished career but he and shared a common interest in fishing. I invited him to join me in a trip to a private bass pond and he eagerly accepted. We spent an enjoyable afternoon of fishing and conversation about company affairs.

Sending my condolences and prayers  to your family during this time. Jerry was a great man and I was glad to have met him.