Michael O'Loughlin

Joseph Michael O'Loughlin was born Oct. 8, 1947, the second of seven children of Thomas and Agnes Schmuke O'Loughlin. Sixty-six years later, June 25, 2014, he died as a result of a stroke suffered four years earlier.

In between, Mike led a full and outstanding life. He was educated at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Jackson, St. Vincent's Preparatory Seminary, Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and the University of Florida in Gainesville.

He earned bachelor, master and doctorate degrees in education.

Mike was raised on his parents' farm. He worked with his dad and brothers on the farm, although never aspiring to be a farmer.

After graduating from Southeast Missouri State University, he served his country honorably as a U.S. Army lieutenant from 1969 to 1971.

Michael O'Loughlin

He was assigned to an artillery unit stationed in Germany.

Warm days, sunny skies and white sand called. Certification to teach scuba diving and Mike's strong swimming skills, coupled with his training as an educator, led him to follow the sun to Florida and then St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands to teach scuba and offshore diving.

Mike then made another life turn.

He worked in Gainesville and St. Augustine as a school counselor, dean of students at Buchholz High, completed his Ph.D., and served as director of research and assessment in the Chattanooga, Tennessee, school system.

He returned to Florida as assistant director of St. Augustine's Technical Center and as principal of St. Augustine High School.

Mike was focused on his students.

He became known as the "Bus Driver" because of his commencement speech advising the seniors: "The bus ride is over. It's time to move on and do something worthwhile with your lives. You are prepared. It's up to you."

Thereafter, Irish bagpipes were added to the "Pomp and Circumstance" graduation march at later commencements.

Mike possessed the Irish wit and gift of conversation. His training at St. Vincent's was not lost. He was called upon by friends to perform weddings for them. His outgoing manner, friendship and family devotion continued until his death.

In 1997, Mike met and married Donna King, also an educator. Mike and Donna enjoyed their Florida lives together.

They lived in the historic district of St. Augustine with their dogs and cat.

In spite of Mike's vigorous outdoor life, bike riding, mountain hikes and swimming, in 2011, a stroke while mowing his lawn ended his administration career instantly.

Though showing no physical symptoms, Mike had great difficulty reading, writing and comprehending numbers.

Mike is survived by his wife, Donna; brothers, sisters and sisters-in-law, Tom and Teresa, Tim and Mary, Pat, Martha, Mary, and Dan and Judy; nieces and nephews; cousins; friends and students who well remember the Bus Driver and his positive influence on them.

A memorial for Mike and interment of his ashes will be held at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson at 11 a.m. Sept. 13.

A post-interment wake will immediately follow at Kimbeland Country Club in Jackson. Family and friends are invited.

Mike made his mark. His time was cut short. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. We will never forget him.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.