James "Jim" McElroy
Photo
Jim's obituary
James Russell McElroy
February 9th, 1943 - October 15th, 2024
It is with both sadness and comfort in Christ that we announce the passing of James Russell McElroy, husband, father, grandfather, and brother. After battling cancer and a number of other illnesses, James passed away in Atascadero, California, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the age of 81. He was married for 62 years to his “best friend” Marie.
Jim, as all his friends knew him, was born to Russell & Viola McElroy in Sioux City, Iowa, on February 9th, 1943, at the height of World War II. Jim spent most of his youth with his mother while his father fought as a pilot in the Pacific Theater and pursued his military career. Jim moved to Guam with his mother and lived there with his parents until November 1948. He fondly spoke of spending time with his Grandfather Joe Murphy in Mitchell, South Dakota after returning from Guam. The Air Force required frequent travel and moves, after returning to California, his brother Douglas Earl was born in November of 1949 at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. Following the birth of his brother, Jim’s parents divorced.
At Highland High School, in North Highlands, California, Jim swam competitively and earned his High School diploma. During this time he met Marie Newhouse who attended Loretto High School for Girls in Sacramento, California. Jim used to jump the fence and cross the freeway to see Marie at her home. A few years later they were married on June 16th, 1962.
Not long after their marriage, significant escalation occurred in the Vietnam war. Jim was about to be drafted in 1966 but decided to volunteer for three (3) years of service in the US Army. Surprisingly he was not sent to Vietnam, instead he was ordered to the front lines of the cold war in West Germany. There he was assigned to man first strike tactical ordnance and Marie was allowed to join him. In Germany they had many adventures and formed lifelong friendships that endure to this day.
After thirteen (13) years of marriage and completing his tour of duty, Jim settled in Modesto, California with Marie and started a family. The Lord blessed them with two children Michael, born June of 1975 and Heather, born December 1978. The years following were filled with friends, annual crab feeds, sailing on weekends and on Wednesdays afternoons after work at Woodward Reservoir.
The Lord expanded Jim and Marie’s family in 2002 with a daughter-in-law, Jean and then a son-in-law Patrick a few months later that year. In addition the Lord blessed Jim and Marie with five (5) amazing grandchildren: Abigail, Joshua, Catherine, Christianna, and Elizabeth. Jim enjoyed hosting and attending all the family events, the games, and graduations.
One of his most recent joys was honoring those who served in the armed forces. He personally held banquets in honor of those who served in his local community.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Viola Byrne, and his father Russel and Step-mother June McElroy. Jim is survived by his loving wife Marie, children: Michael and his wife Jean, Heather and her husband Patrick. By his brother Douglas and his wife Claudia.
We are so thankful for the extra months we had with Jim after he was first admitted to the ICU in December of 2023 and given a six month prognosis. Our lives are greater for having known him. We are deeply grateful for the out-pouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually.
Recently, visits from Jeffrey Saylor and Father Dennis gave Jim confidence in his faith and helped clarify the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the last conversations he had was about the grace the Lord gives which he accepted and the peace he had about his eternal destination. Marie and Jim took time to pray together right before his passing. Luke 23, is a profound look at Christ's love for us in that while he was being crucified he heard the repentant cry of the thief on the cross next to him. The gospel message is simple, we are so glad he heard and responded to it.
The funeral Mass offered for Marie McElroy can be viewed here,
https://youtube.com/live/Inue…
Send to someone
Want to stay updated?
Share this memorial website
Share with others
