James Robert McElroy was born on August 20, 1952 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Robert Thomas and Joyce Kathleen (Mattes) McElroy. James entered into eternal peace on Monday, April 20, 2009 at the Shenandoah Medical Center in Shenandoah, Iowa. Although Jim is gone from this earth, a part of him will continue to live on through his generous gift of eye and body donation for medical research

Jim was raised in the Shenandoah community. He attended school and graduated from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1970. Following graduation he attended college at Iowa Western Community College and also Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. He later moved to the Council Bluffs and Omaha area, but returned to Shenandoah to help his father in McElroy Electric.

Jim worked for the City of Shenandoah as a custodian, and also worked at the Shenandoah High School as a custodian, when needed. Jim was a kind-hearted man, who was always willing to help others when called upon.

Some of Jim's interests included reading, attending church, visiting art museums, dancing, attending single reunions at Graceland College and supporting the Shenandoah Mustang's Athletic Programs. Jim was an active member of the Lion's Club where he held several offices including Chaplain for many years and the Community of Christ Church in Shenandoah.

He was preceded in death by his father. Those left to honor his memory include his mother Joyce, an aunt Norma Mattes of Clarinda, Iowa, numerous cousins and many friends.