James Dean McElroy

James “Jim” McElroy, 87, of Abilene, passed away on June 22, 2018 in Abilene. 

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene.

Funeral services will be Thursday, June 28, at 10:00 a.m. in Abilene at The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Frank Estes officiating. Burial will follow in Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery in Abilene. 

Jim was born in Lebanon, Missouri to Virgil and Georgie (Weddle) McElroy on April 16, 1931.  He married Myrtle Ann St. John on February 3, 1956 in Abilene.  He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years of service. He went on to retire after 20 years from the Civil Service.

He was an elder at Bethel Temple Christian Center and served in many capacities over the years.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and wife Myrtle Ann.

Jim is survived by two sons, Michael McElroy of Irving, Texas, and Johnny McElroy of Abilene, Texas; two sisters, Velma Messersmith of Hartford City, Indiana, and June Gaub; one niece, Freda Wyatt of Hartford City, Indiana; three grandchildren, Emily Welch, Hunter McElroy, and Molly McElroy, and two great-grandchildren, Kimber and Katie.

Honorary pallbearers will be Merrel Nichols, Kenneth Welch, Hunter McElroy, Greg Reagan,

Rick Barrett, and Blake Woodall.

Memorials may be given to Veterans Assistance organizations and Alzheimers associations.

The family would like to recognize and thank, Visiting Angels and the ICU staff at Abilene Regional Medical Center for the care and compassion shown to Jim.