James Melvin McElwain of Butler, Missouri died on October 25, 2023 at his son’s, Stephen, home in Wichita, Kansas of Lewey Body Dementia. He was born February 20, 1931 to Melvin and Beatrice (Chitty) McElwain in Twin Falls, Idaho.
James and his parents moved back to Bates County to care for his maternal grandfather when he was about six months old. James and his sister, Jewel attended a one-room school–the teacher was their Aunt Hazel Chitty Nelson. He attended and graduated from Ballard High School in 1949 where he played on the basketball team. He retired from General Motors on October 1, 1985. On March 28, 1954 he was united in marriage to Ellen June Herman. In the 1960s James was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He loved watching the Kansas City Chiefs play and his Polka programs.
James is survived by his wife, Ellen; sons, Stephen McElwain and wife Lisa of Wichita, Kansas and Daryl McElwain of Butler, Missouri; grandchildren, Crystal Eldred and husband Billy of Butler, Missouri, Sheila Morrow and husband Bryan of Kansas City, Missouri, Matthew McElwain and wife Kristina of Clearwater, Kansas and Andrew McElwain and wife Marishka of Wichita, Kansas; great-grandchildren, Avery Eldred, Lyla Eldred, Calla Eldred, Jamyn McElwain, Malachi McElwain, Sophia McElwain, Malana McElwain, and Aviana McElwain; and a great-nephew, Joshua Felts. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jewel Gibson; a niece, Julie Spears; and a nephew, Jeffrey Gibson.
Cremation has taken place. Inurnment at Oak Hill Cemetery will be at a later date. Services will be on Zoom, Saturday December 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 639 325 3228
Zoom Passcode: 816660
Memorial contributions can be made to:
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
attn: Donor Support
900 Red Mills Road
Wallkill, NY, US 12589-5200
Obituary information courtesy of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel (660-679-6555) in Butler, Missouri. Online condolences www.schowengerdtchapel.com.
