James H McElroy

James H. “Mac” McElroy passed away September 25, 2014. He was born in Red Oak, Texas. The 2nd of six children and the oldest boy, James grew up on a farm. When he was 5 years old he was bed ridden for a year due to polio. They said he would never walk again, but he was too tenacious to give up. Years later when James was 12, he got a splinter of wood into the pupil of his right eye. Through all the setbacks he never saw a challenge only a chance to overcome. He graduated from Desoto High School and attended North Texas University and University of Texas in Arlington. James was an accountant with Mobil Oil for many years.

June 16, 1945 he married the love of his life, Sybel, and they spent 61 years together. He was a dedicated husband and a patient father. James was very involved in his church. He helped to establish Fairview Baptist and is currently a member of Matthew Road Baptist Church. He taught Sunday school for all ages, enjoyed socializing and loved the church activities for seniors, especially when they played dominoes and 42.

James was an accepting, gentle man who enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He loved life and spending time with people. He was kind hearted, and always the first to give. James always did what needed to be done without question.

James enjoyed watching westerns and all animals. He was a very snappy dresser with a sharp mind and laugh that came straight from his gut. Late in life James became a grandfather which gave him the chance to be a child again. He was a wonderful grandfather and an overall good man.

James is preceded in death by his parents, wife Sybel McElroy, sisters Roberta Caroll and Celleen Foster, brother Doris McElroy.

He is survived by his daughters Sharon McElroy, Kathy McGinn and her husband Bob; grandsons Matthew McGinn and Kevin McGinn; brothers Randell McElroy, Hubert McElroy and numerous nieces and nephews.