James Bernard McElroy Sr.

James "Jim" McElroy, 79, of Freedom NH passed away on Thursday evening, June 27th, at Ledgewood Bay Assisted Memory Care in Milford, NH. 

 Born and raised in Lynn, MA, Jim was the middle child of five, born to June and Ralph McElroy. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne (Gaudet) McElroy, with whom he celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary last fall. He also leaves behind a son, James Jr., and his wife, Roisin McElroy of Hollis, NH; a daughter, Ellen McElroy of Denver, CO; and three grandchildren, Gage, Bryce, and Colbie. 

 He is also survived by all his siblings and their spouses: Anne and Phil DiNatale of Swampscott, MA; Tom and Nora McElroy of Newton, NH; Mary and Steve Le Blanc of Ashby, MA; and Skip and Sheila McElroy of Saugus, MA. He leaves behind nine nephews and three nieces, all part of a close-knit family.

Jim graduated from Northeastern University with two degrees in Mechanical Engineering. His longest employment was with Digital in Marlboro, MA, included three years in Cupertino, CA, with family. Eventually he became CEO of NEMI (later iNEMI), a group of electronics manufacturers joining together to work on shared interests. It was based in VA, having a small staff, and requiring Jim to travel to Europe and the Far East, places Jim truly enjoyed seeing. After 13 years, he retired in 2009.

Volunteering began when he joined NH Lakes. Then for the Town of Freedom, he became chairman of the milfoil committee established to control that invasive plant in their waters. His service was greatly appreciated. 

Throughout his life, he tackled building projects, beginning with the startup of his brother Tom's wholesale greenhouses, still active. Then, over a span of 30 years, Jim accomplished a major amount of work on each of four homes and a cottage. His wife was a willing assistant who soon realized, that Jim relaxed best when labor came first. 

Jim always used his vacation time to be with his family. Scouting gave him a love of the outdoors, and camping and canoeing became a favorite way to be together. When a cottage was found that had a waterway to Lake Ossipee, that became the place for his children to have wonderful times with their dad, boating and swimming most of all.

Years ago, Jim began breaking into song whenever a word or phrase reminded him of one. At Ledgewood, this and his dancing delighted the staff and residents and made him very popular. His whole life he has been an easy guy to like, and that led to friends with a wide range of personalities. Family and friends have had to accept the slow loss of his own personality. It will be a blessing to remember him whole again soon.

A private gathering will be held for Jim in March near the time of his 80th birthday