James Oliver McElrath passed away on August 16th 2016, he was 93.
Oliver was born in Swannanoa, North Carolina, on June 27th, 1923 to the late George, Sr. and Lula Kent McElrath.
Oliver is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Mickey Chapman McElrath of Black Mountain; their children, Dean McElrath (wife Judy, daughter Jennifer and husband Tim, son Clint and wife Melissa) all of Black Mountain, Terry McElrath of Black Mountain, Dale McElrath (Penny) of Graham, North Carolina; and 2 beautiful great granddaughters, Keira Madison Johnson and Jade Melissa McElrath; also numerous nieces, nephews; and extended family.
Oliver grew up in Patton Cove of Swannanoa where he spent his younger days chasing squirrels and playing in the mountain streams with all of his siblings. Oliver enlisted in The Army of the United States on January 16, 1943 at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. He trained and earned his Army Air Force Badge as a Teletype Mechanic and was stationed in Whitehorse, Canada as part of the Northwest Staging Route during World War II to defend Alaska, Canada and the Northwest United States. Progressing to the rank of Sergeant, Oliver was Honorably Discharged on January 28, 1948. During his service he earned the Victory II Medal, American Theater Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. After he returned from the war he met the love of his life, Mickey. Married in 1947, they began a life together that lasted 69 years. Oliver began his federal career at Moore General Hospital and transferred later to the VA Hospital in Asheville. He retired with 35+ years of government service. He became a real estate agent later in his career and he even helped many family members and friends achieve their dreams of owning a home. Oliver was an athlete at heart and enjoyed playing softball up and down the Swannanoa Valley in many leagues. He also was a very accomplished bowler and held a NC state record at one time. A huge Owen Warhorse and Warlassie fan his entire life, he loved to watch his grandchildren play for the school and almost never missed a game. He loved to watch his Warlassie softball team perched in his spot beyond the leftfield fence every year. Another favorite pastime of his was feeding his birds and squirrels and other critters that frequented the McElrath Estate. He loved stories, and all would listen to them intently whether it was the first time or the tenth, that you heard him tell it. Oliver was the 'rock' of his family, a man who willingly gave of his time and efforts to others with no strings attached. His caring will be missed by those whose lives he touched.
There will be a private graveside service that will be followed by a Celebration of Life at First Baptist Church, Black Mountain at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, August 19, 2016 with visitation to follow.
The family requests donations in lieu of flowers. Donations may be made in memory of James Oliver McElrath to the Owen High School Warlassie Softball Program, c/o Owen High School, 99 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711.