Marquis Who's Who Honors James Surrell Loughman for Expertise in Coaching
Press Release February 4, 2026
James Loughman is recognized for decades of dedicated service to veterans as a transformational coach working mostly in the addiction recovery field where so many end up. He was finally deprogrammed from Vietnam in 1999 after a mental collapse.
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OXNARD, CA, February 04, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- James Surrell Loughman has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Loughman has established a distinguished career as a transformational coach, dedicating the past 25 years to guiding individuals through personal and spiritual growth. Since assuming his current role with Spiritual Empowerment for Unity, he has worked extensively with veterans and participants in the 12-step recovery program. His approach emphasizes that the 12-step movement is not solely for those struggling with alcoholism but is a Spiritual Movement designed to enhance the human experience for all. Drawing from his own transformative path, Mr. Loughman encourages others to recognize that substances are often used as hiding places and that true freedom is achieved by confronting, rather than escaping, life's challenges.

Enlisting in the U.S. Army at age 17, Mr. Loughman served his country from 1965 to 1969. He was deployed during the Vietnam War, where he demonstrated valor and resilience. The experiences he faced during his military service profoundly shaped his perspective and later fueled his commitment to supporting fellow veterans in their recovery journeys. Upon returning from Vietnam, Mr. Loughman struggled with guilt, shame, and the worst self-loathing. Most related to his wartime experiences, leading him into a cycle of substance abuse. At age 20, he was enrolled in Alcoholics Anonymous by his first sergeant, whom he had worked under in Vietnam. This was the beginning of a lifelong journey of recovery and self-discovery. With over 58 years in recovery, Mr. Loughman remains an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous and continues to mentor others seeking healing and empowerment.

Mr. Loughman is a certified transformational coach, a credential that has been instrumental in helping him develop a unique approach to personal transformation. In addition to his professional pursuits, he has made significant contributions to civic causes as a hospice volunteer, offering compassionate support to individuals and families during challenging times.

Beyond coaching and volunteering, Mr. Loughman is an accomplished author. In 2022, he published "Spiritual Empowerment Through and Beyond the 12 Steps," followed by "Spiritual Empowerment: Expanding Beyond The 12 Steps with 6 New Steps for Achieving Wholeness and Oneness" in 2025. These works reflect his commitment to broadening the reach of spiritual empowerment principles beyond traditional recovery circles. He believes this 12 step design for living was intended for the human experience, not just alcoholics. We can all use spiritual development.

In recognition of his service, Mr. Loughman earned both the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart from the U.S. Army. He attributes much of his success to his journey from self-loathing to self-love. This process not only enabled Mr. Loughman's own recovery but also equipped him with the empathy and insight necessary to guide others toward wholeness.

For over four decades, Mr. Loughman has found solace in riding motorcycles across 35 countries—a pursuit that has provided moments of reflection and connection with his faith, serving as an escape from confronting deeper personal challenges. This realization became a catalyst for further growth and transformation. Looking ahead, Mr. Loughman aims to promote his latest book as a cornerstone of what he regards as the most significant spiritual movement of our time. He envisions expanding access to the 12-step framework so it may serve all individuals seeking fulfillment and unity, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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