James Edgar “Coon Dog” Laughter, 71, of Saluda passed away Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 at his home.

Born in Polk County, he was the son of the late Alfred L. and Maggie Rivers Laughter. He worked at J.P. Stevens and later worked for General Electric in Flat Rock, N.C., for 14 years. He also worked with Thompson & Daughter Landscaping for a number of years.

James was a member of Saluda Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are: four sisters, Betty Fay Laughter of Tryon, Agnes LeVesque (John) of St. Maries, Idaho, Nettie Davis of Flat Rock, N.C., and Nancy Pitkens (Frank Vince) of Bethlehem, Pa.; and a brother, Joe Laughter (Mabel) of Rolesville, N.C. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, with Rev. David Summey officiating.

Family will receive friends just prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be in the Saluda City Cemetery, Saluda.

An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.