Jerry L. McLaughlin, Ph.D, a beloved son, father, grandfather, professor, and accomplished research scientist of medicinal plants, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2023. Born in 1939, Jerry dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and teaching, making incredible contributions to the fields of medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy.

Jerry, a proud Eagle Scout and Boy Scouts of America leader, obtained his Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy from the University of Michigan,  in 1966, after graduating from Coldwater High School in 1957. He went on to become an esteemed Professor Emeritus of Purdue University (1971-1999), where his research and teachings in molecular pharmacology/ethnobotany took him on adventures across the globe.  Besides the United States and Puerto Rico, among the countries to which he was invited to speak are: Italy, Mexico, Egypt, Venezuela, China, Pakistan, Belgium, Malaysia, Kenya, Korea, Colombia, Canada, Thailand, France, Turkey, Spain, Argentina, Indonesia, Chile, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Scandinavia, and Russia. Other notable accomplishments are: 37 honorary awards, 83 different council and board memberships, 8 elected officer positions, 101 national convention paper presentations, 62 workshop and symposium paper presentations, 134 invited lecture presentations, 76 research grants funded, 327 publications printed in professional journals, 10 patents, 2 technical laboratory manuals written, 4 professional book reviews, and he was included in 15 professional biography listings. His legacy leaves an annual scholarship for pharmacy students at the University of Michigan.

Before retirement, Jerry sponsored over 30 doctoral and mentored over 35 post doctoral students from around the globe. In 1999, Jerry retired from Purdue University and in 2004, retired as Vice President of Research and Development for Nature's Sunshine Company, a producer of natural herbal supplements. His research at Purdue led to the discovery of hundreds of molecular medicinal compounds including 26 anti-cancer annonaceous acetogenins in the paw paw plant, therefore, he was a passionate advocate for paw paw tree cultivation and harvest, using his knowledge of herbal medicine to help others.

Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved spending time in the great outdoors. He owned a farm and cut firewood in retirement in Cayuga, IN. Games, particularly Euchre and chess, racquetball and ping-pong, brought him joy and friendly competition. His love for music also shone through his talent as a ukulele player as well as his dry sense of humor - evidenced by his choice of eclectic and vintage tunes.

Throughout his life, Jerry was recognized for his commitment to excellence, persistence and perseverance. He served as editor of the Journal of Natural Products, an American Chemical Society (member) publication, upholding its reputation as one of the premier journals in the field of natural product research.

Jerry is survived by his cherished family, including his daughter, Angie Lee McLaughlin (Michael Dean Glover) of New Mexico; son, Andrew Todd McLaughlin of Alaska; granddaughters, Sierra Deane Stone Gutierrez (Mario Isaiah Gutierrez) and Sophia Jeanette Stone of Texas; grandson, Hawken Todd McLaughlin of Colorado; and two great granddaughters Noel Faith Gutierrez and Aria Joy Gutierrez. He is predeceased by his parents, Ralph Todd McLaughlin and Rosella Shreve McLaughlin of Coldwater, Michigan, and his sister, Janean Anadah McLaughlin Kistel.

Jerry's profound impact on the lives of his family, students, and colleagues will be remembered and cherished for generations to come. He was nonjudgemental and knew no cultural boundaries. He upheld standards of conservation and standing up for what is right. His legacy of love, knowledge, and passion for nature will continue to inspire all who knew him.

His cremains will be interred by his parents, late 2023 at Mason Cemetery, Mason Road, Coldwater, Michigan.

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