In Remembrance of Jim "Tiny" McElroy
James (Jim) "Tiny" McElroy, 72, of Gate City, VA, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2011. He was born in Norton, VA, on February 25, 1939, the son of the late Lester and Paralee Hill McElroy. Jim moved to Gate City in 1950. He was a Shoemaker High School graduate and attended Fork Union Military Academy on a football scholarship playing for two years and becoming captain in his final year. Upon graduating from Fork Union Military Academy in 1958, he attended the University of Mississippi, also on a football scholarship, before entering the United State Army during the Vietnam War. He became a paratrooper, a Ranger, and a Green Beret having served with distinction.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Albert Nicholas (Nick) McElroy and nephew, Corey McElroy. He is survived by his sons, Cortney (Cort) McElroy, Phoenix, AZ and Carter McElroy and wife, Pam, San Diego, CA; sister, Patsy Durham and husband, Roy, Gate City, VA; sister-in-law, Nancy B. McElroy, Weber City, VA; fiancée, Katherine Tignor, Gate City, VA; niece, Christy McElroy Bradshaw and husband, Taylor, Gate City, VA; nephew, Brent Montgomery and wife, Kristen; one great niece; 6 great nephews; a step niece and step nephew.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Monday, October 17, 2011 at the Gate City Funeral Home and other times at the residence of his sister, Patsy Durham. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Blessing officiating. A eulogy will be given by his son Carter. Jiggs and Flo Willis will provide the music.
Military graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at the Lane Cemetery, Rye Cove, VA by the American Legion Hammond Post #3 of Kingsport, TN and Post #265 of Gate City, VA assisted by members of the Virginia Army National Guard Honor Guard. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Ford Quillen, George Maddux, Jim Ray Fugate, Ron Bellamy, Gary Stacy and fellow workers at SCPSA will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m., Tuesday to go in procession to the graveside service. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorials be made to a church or charity of one's choice.
An online guest registry is available for the McElroy family at http://www.gatecityfunerals.com. Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of James (Jim) McElroy.
Condolences and Remembrances
He was "Big Mac" to his Army "good buddies." He was "Tiny" to all who knew him at LS20A and points beyond. He was my friend and I will miss him terribly. Posted by: Peter Palmer, October 18, 2011
I would fly 'Tiny' Around laos during our confict there and would see him from time to time at reunions in the USA. Great guy with a big heart and a big smile. Tiny will be missed. Posted by: Lee Gossett, October 17, 2011
Jim was working on a book about the SF base at Kham Duc and asked me to contribute r e the early days there — 1963-1964. He fully demonstrated that he was a patriot, a warrior and a scholar with insight and dedication -an American Socrates. His like is most rare, and he'll be missed by many a foxhole mate. My deepest condolences to his family. DOL Wayne Long COL, USA (ret ) Posted by: Wayne Long, October 17, 2011
uncle jimmy i just wanted to say that i love you and i wish we had more time to spend together. you will be missed by so many. i love you jim and i look forward to when i get to see you again. you were a warrior and a protector for our country and everyone around. you were a good guy and now a great angel.! Posted by: tina durham, October 17, 2011
So Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. May it help in some way to know others share in your sorrow. Posted by: Dallas Jannow Bailey, October 17, 2011
Everyone in Scott County knew Jim, the Teddy Bear. My prayers with the entire family. May God Bless Posted by: Roberta Blackburn Stewart, October 17, 2011
I worked with Tiny in Laos during the Southeast Asian war time. He was a bright light and spirit for all of us working out there, and a just simply a great, easy going man. Though we have seen each other only occasionally in these last many years, he is in my thoughts often.
I pray for all those persons who deal with him regularly as I'm sure he will really be missed. You can rest assured, however, that he will always be recalled by us Lao jungle fighters when we sit and spin our tales about those long ago war years.
May God's perpetual light shine upon him and his, Igor Posted by: Igor, October 17, 2011
Jim was a very special friend . We worked together on several assignsments and he was always professional and thorough in his work. He made many risky tasks look routine, He was admired and loved by many. He will be missed. Posted by: Tom Lum, October 17, 2011
When I moved my business to Gate City several years ago, we got a piece of equipment stuck in a doorway. We out on the street and drafted this kind hearted man to help us. Jim came in helped us move the press and did all he could to help us starting a business in Gate City. He was always there to answer questions and give his support thru the years. They destroyed the mold when they made McElroy. He was a kind and funny man.
God Bless You All in your loss. Posted by: Kim, October 17, 2011
I worked with "Tiny" in a land and a time far, far away in the mid/late 60's. He was always joyful and full of life. Thanks for the chance to know him.
Z Posted by: Pete, October 17, 2011
Jim was a modest man, who never talked about his service to our country. He was a decorated veteran of the secret war in Laos and a friend for forty years after we served together in Panama. Posted by: Al Weed, October 17, 2011
Our Prayers go to the entire family. Eli and Sheryl Chavez Posted by: Eli Chavez, October 17, 2011
Worked with Tiny in Laos. He was a positive, caring, productive, funny friend. He made an enormous impression. He was loved and will be missed. God speed. Posted by: mule, October 17, 2011
I met Jim "Tiny" in Arizona and saw him several times in our career. Always the gentleman and the nice guy he was quiet and friencly to all. Jim will be missed by all who knew him. God bless and keep you all, Lou Posted by: louis j. young, October 17, 2011
My heart is so saddened to learn of Jim's passing. We had a special friendship that went back to high school. He had such a great sense of humor and always had a positive outlook. I will never forget when he let me drive his dad's car while I was just learning and I ran over a bump and broke the oil pan. He took the blame, God bless him. We much later resumed our friendship and he was the same down-to-earth guy. God be with all the family. To Patsy, my old classmate, thinking of you especially. Posted by: Janice Redwine Paveglio, October 16, 2011
My heart goes out to the McElroy family in sympathy and friendship. Posted by: Dorinda T. Bradshaw, October 16, 2011
Jim and I joined the Special Forces Assiosation togeather back in 1995 at Ft Bragg and have ben friends ever since.We talked alot about our service when we saw each orher. I would like to have talk to him just one more time.i sure will miss seeing him as i knowyou all will. My prayers go out to the family.Gary Hebert Posted by: Gary Hebert, October 16, 2011
Jim was a good friend and it was a great help to use his experience and knowledge while at the Town of Gate City. He always had a good story to tell of his experiences and travels across the world. I want to give my sincere condolences to the entire McElroy family.
Jason M. Stewart Richmond,VA Posted by: Jason Stewart, October 16, 2011
I saw Jim at the drug store on Wednesday. He was leaving as I intered. We exchanged a few words and as alway it was good to see and talk to him. He put his hand on my shoulder and said was good talking to you Ed, and then he was gone.I never dreamed that would be the last time I would see him on this earth. We were good friends. and I know that he will be missed.Our prayers are with you in your grief. May God comfort andkeepyou Ed & Peggy Catron Posted by: Ed & Peggy Catron, October 15, 2011
I worked with Jim for about eight years when I was the trash truck driver for Gate City. Jim was a fine person And I really enjoyed being around him over those years!!! He will be missed dearly, and our prayers are with the family and friends. Posted by: Phillip Elliott, and family, October 15, 2011
Carolyn and I are sorry to hear of Jim's passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
James & Carolyn Flanary Midlothian, VA Posted by: James&Carolyn Flanary, October 15, 2011
Jimmy played football for Shoemaker while I was a cheerleader there in 1953-55. He was a good friend and I know that you will miss him. May God give you comfort during this time of grief. Posted by: Marlene gillenwater Spears, October 15, 2011
