James Bailey Elliott

ELLIOTT, James Bailey “Jim”, 72, of Tampa, FL and East Winthrop, ME passed away unexpectedly on January 6, 2017. Jim was born March 18, 1944 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey to Barbara Spangler Elliott and George (Jack) Bailey Elliott. Jim was the second of six children, spending much of his childhood on Walnut Lane in Haverford, Pennsylvania. The house was not large, had only one bathroom. The four brother’s shared a room on the 3rd floor. Many stories came from this early era. At age 3, little Jimmy carefully placed green paint on all of the cars parked on Walnut Lane. At about the same age, Jimmy went with his dad to the gas station. While the family car was being re-fueled, Jimmy got out and climbed into an RV. He waved enthusiastically to his dad as the RV pulled out of the station! Indeed, Jim was the family rascal. Childhood on Walnut Lane, Haverford, in the 50s did not have a lot of the adult organization and supervision of activities as happens now. You had to find your own fun and so the Elliott children roamed the neighborhood and especially the nearby college freely -- it was a free-range childhood. Jim used to hang around Haverford College football practices and eventually the coach invited him to accompany the team on the bus to away games! Jim also befriended the son of a Phillies baseball player who lived nearby. Jim was eventually invited to sit in some home bullpen games at Shibe Park (later named Connie Mack Stadium). Jim was certainly finding his own fun! Sometimes the free-ranging got a little too free! A local constable arrived at the family home to report that Jim and a couple of buddies had been seen “pegging” green tomatoes at a P&W trolley car! Whoops! So, some misbehavior, but also some signs that Jim might become a well-organized and responsible adult. In 1961, the family moved to North Reading, Massachusetts where Jim graduated High School. He went on to college at UMass – Amherst and earned a degree in Finance. Following college, Jim served honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he received a variety medals for his service, including the bronze star. In 1969, Jim’s younger brother Win (who was finishing his tour of duty) met Jim’s arriving plane and the brothers were briefly reunited in Vietnam. This meeting was arranged by an officer with whom Jim had a past relationship. A touching moment, indeed! Following two years of military service, Jim began his career with General Electric (GE) in Schenectady, NY completing their Financial Management Training Program, then joining GE’s prestigious Corporate Audit Staff. Following Audit Staff, Jim was promoted into a variety of financial and accounting positions of increasing responsibility in Plainville, CT, Schenectady, NY. Bridgeport, CT and Tampa, FL. While in Tampa, GE sold Jim’s business to Cox Enterprises, Manheim Auctions! And, a new career commenced in the auto auction business. In 2006, Jim retired from the position of General Manager, Northway Exchange Auto Auction in Clifton Park, NY. How is Jim thought of? Jim was funny and tender and soft-hearted, such a character, so thoughtful and honest, so gracious and yet - often, and simultaneously - so blunt! He had a big heart and would do anything for his family and friends. He liked to play “tough guy”, but was really a big “softie”! He loved a good time, especially with his brothers and “buddies”! Jim’s family meant the world to him. Jim’s wife, Jane, was another GE Financial Manager. They met during their years in Plainville, CT. Their GE offices were side-by-side; they each bought a condo – of the same floor plan – across the street from one another; And, as a first date, Jim asked Jane to the Hartford Dog Show! That was it – commonality was clear and true love ensued for 40+ years. Jim was a terrific “Dad” to Kristopher and Meghan. He loved attending piano and dance recitals, baseball and football games and gymnastic meets. Jim was also a “buddy” to….and well loved by… his children’s friends. Family dogs (generally 3 at a time including Boston Terriers, a Scotty and a Dalmatian) were an important part of the family, along with the family cat, “Mr. Meow”. Later in life, Jim’s grand-dog, Nelly the Boxer, assumed a prominent role! Upon retirement, Jim and Jane moved to Maine to live on Jim’s beloved Lake Cobbosseeconte. Jim had spent all of his childhood summers on Cobbossee (Belle Island). Jim’s wife and children vacationed annually on Belle Island during the years of working and raising children. Jim “came home” to retire! Jim was able to enjoy some wonderful adventures in retirement – among them, golf and bridge (to please his wife) – travel to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, the Panama Canal and South America – Red Sox Baseball games – and most especially time on the lake. In 2014, Jim became a “snowbird” with a winter residence in Tampa, FL. No – this was not to escape the cold Maine winters – it was to be able to see more of his Florida family …. most especially, his two beautiful grandchildren, Avery Jane (Age 4) and George Thomas (Almost age 2!) And, of course, Nelly, the grand-dog! Survivors include his loving wife, Jane; son, Kristopher Elliott of Schenectady, NY; daughter Meghan Farrell and her husband Jamie of Tampa; grandchildren Avery and George Farrell; brothers Peter Elliott of Malden, MA and F. Winslow Elliott and wife Pam of Stratham, NH; sisters Deborah Jenks of Exeter, NH and Jane Elliott-Marchetti and husband Tony of Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law Terry Seymour and wife Adrienne of Sarasota, FL; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins! Jim was predeceased by his beloved brother, John (Lit) Elliott and Jim remained close with John’s wife, Norine. A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held July 2 in Maine. Details will follow at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to: Tampa: Hope Children’s Home www.hopechildrenshome.org Travis Mills Foundation www.travismills.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.travismills.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.travismills.org Prostate Cancer Foundation www.pcf.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.pcf.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.pcf.org Maine: Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed www.watershedfriends.com Travis Mills Foundation www.travismills.org Prostate Cancer Foundation www.pcf.org New York: Travis Mills Foundation www.travismills.org Prostate Cancer Foundation www.pcf.org