James Hartford McElroy

CW4 James Hartford McElroy, 87, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 12, 2019. He was born September 9, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Hartford and Jane (Bowker) McElroy. Jim cherished his family and every moment he shared with them. He was a true patriot and faithfully served his country, retiring from the U.S. Army after 30 years, honored with following medals: Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was also awarded the following unit awards: Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. His great sense of humor will never be forgotten. Jim was a devoted Washington Redskins fan and avid golfer. He had a beautiful tenor singing voice and shared the love of swimming and diving with his children. Even in the toughest of times of his life, he never complained. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Alice McElroy. Jim is survived by his sister, Col. Eleanor Wilson, USMC (Ret.); children, Linda (Robert) McElroy Thomas, David McElroy, Sherry (Dan) Carson, and Donna (Jamie) Hoch; grandchildren, Joshua (Emilee) Hall, Michael (Hillary) Hall, Alec Hoch, Trevor Hoch, Danny Carson, Brad Carson, Bethany (Aaron) Murfin, Flor Hernandez, Khadija Elkaroodi; great-grandchildren, Brea Hall, Lucas Hall, and Weston Murfin; and many other relatives and friends. Jim’s family will receive friends from 3:30-4:30 pm Sunday, January 27, 2019 with a memorial service to follow at 4:30 pm at Brookdale Pinnacle, 1305 Lamplighter Dr., Grove City, OH 43123. Inurnment in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors will be held at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st St. Ste 800, Miami, FL 33131. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or watch his tribute video.