James Howard "Jim" McElhany

Funeral Service Outside of Mass at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Walters, OK on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Ray Ackerman Officiating. Visitation on Sunday, January 7th at Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home in Walters, OK from 2:00-4:00 pm with a special moment at 3:00 pm for Masonic Rites.

James Howard "Jim" McElhany was born to Earl Odell and Mary Francis (Marsh) McElhany on March 3, 1941 in Enid, OK and departed this life in Walters, OK on December 31, 2023 at the age of 82 years, 9 months and 28 days.

Jim grew up in Harrisonville, MO, graduating from high school and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree. He married Betty Anderson on September 1, 1962 and to the union a son and daughter were born. They made their home in the Kansas City, MO area and he worked for IBM. 

Jim later married Linda Jane Miller on December 30, 1982 and they made their home at Smithville, MO. To this union 2 stepkids and 6 adopted children were added. While at Smithville, Jim did civilian contract work for the U.S. Army. In June of 1996 the couple and their 6 youngest kids moved to Walters, OK and Jim continued his civilian contract work at Fort Sill. 

He was a member of Saint Patrick Catholic Church. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a Shriner. After a long career in computer programing, he still enjoyed spending time on the computer, playing with Legos, shooting guns and building things. He had always planned to travel to Ireland to connect with his heritage. He enjoyed singing and listening to the group Celtic Woman. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Helen Urton; and a brother, Michael McElhany.

Survivors include 8 children, Paul McElhany and Gail of Seattle, WA, Kathy Kennedy and Doug of Parkville, MO, Jennifer Robinson and Pondrell of Kansas City, KS, Heather Moore and Chris of Hawkins, TX, Michael McElhany of Missouri, Tiffany McElhany of Independence, MO, Amanda McElhany and Eddie McElhany both of Missouri; his stepsons, Jeremy Sweatman of Liberty, MO and Jared Sweatman and Christina of Smithville, MO; numerous grandchildren; a sister, Elaine Ahrlett of Kingsland, TX; 3 brothers, Robert McElhany of Seymour, IN, Harold McElhany, and Patrick McElhany of Edgewater, CO; other relatives and many friends.