of Little Rock, AR
June 8, 1930 - January 19, 2019
James Edward McElveen, of Little Rock, passed out of this life and into the presence of His Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 19, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Peggy R. McElveen; son, Thom Rayne; grandson, Timothy McElveen; and great-grandson, Jacob McElveen. He was preceded in death by his sister, Velma Simmons, and parents Odie and Lois McElveen.
Known by friends and family as "Buddy," James was a deacon in his church, an outdoorsman, a veteran, and enjoyed many years traveling with his sweetheart Peggy in their R/V after retiring from a career with AT&T/Lucent, first as a tool-and-die maker, then as an electronics technician. James loved fishing, especially fly fishing, hunting, scuba diving, riding motorcycles, and boating. He and Peggy made two Caribbean cruises after retirement. He was also an accomplished home cook, fascinated by God's natural world, and completely devoted to his wife, Peggy, whom he cared for with almost super-human strength during these recent years after she developed dementia. He was always interested in the latest technology and operated a Ham radio station for fun and as part of the emergency network in the 1980's and 1990's. He also kept up with the latest in computer and cell phone technology. He loved music, especially southern gospel music, and sang bass in his church choir for most of his years. In their R/V, he and Peggy toured with Campers On Mission for several years helping rebuild and restore life for others.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the exceptional level of care provided by Cottage Lane Health and Rehab in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Services will be held at Lifeline Baptist Church, Little Rock, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. Interment will follow at Landmark Cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Roller-Chenal from 6:00-8:00 P.M.
Sign Guestbook
9 Condolence(s)
Kristy M Smith
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Aunt Peggy and Thom I love you so much and your in my prayers, I Loved Uncle Buddy so much and he was truly such a kind hearted man who loved all and we all will miss him. We love you both you are in our prayer.
Kristy, Jacqueline and Pressley Smith
Marie McCosh
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
I worked with James and he was a wonderful person. Always smiling and full of fun and good will. He was a blessing at work.
gary
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
I remember sing in the choir with James at Pine Grove Baptist church. I was very young then... He was a great teacher.
Tom and Elaine Innes
Monday, January 21, 2019
My wife and I did not know Mr. McElveen, but came to know his son, Thom, quite well over the last twenty years when he began serving in the Providence Baptist Church worship ministry in Raleigh, NC. Thom has become a great friend over the years, and I know him as a kind, loving soul who cares deeply for Jesus Christ, his mom and his dad, and his family.
Apples really don't fall far from the tree, and I'm sure that, from what I know of Thom, his dad must have been an exceptional Christian man. Our hearts grieve for the family's loss and pray God's peace and comfort during this difficult time.
HH
Monday, January 21, 2019
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends. May find comfort in your many memories together and in God and his word the Bible. God wants us to pray to him during these times of grief and sadness so he can comfort us. (Psalms 50:15/2 Corinthians 1:3,4)
Carol Ann (Suprgers)Brown
Sunday, January 20, 2019
I remember singing in a trio with Peggy & Velma at Pine Grove Baptist Church many years ago.Buddy was a great christian and loved to sing.
Tommy and Claudette Green
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and also our deepest condolences. We enjoyed knowing James and Peggy when they attended church for many years at Archview BC. They were very active members and not only blessed the church with their service there but also their participation in the choir. James had a beautiful base voice that blessed our hearts. Now he is probably singing in Heaven's choir. I'm sure they blessed Lifeline BC with their service there as well. He will be missed.
Jim & Brenda Wyatt
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Aunt Peggy an Thom, You know how much we all loved Uncle Buddy an he will surely be missed. Some people just take a part of us with them when they go home. He touched many people with his faith, love an service to his Lord Jesus Christ. He set the standard and example of a husband an father. You know that we love you both dearly an will be here for you as well as praying an lifting you up in the days ahead. God bless you both with peace in your hearts, comfort for your soul an the strength, courage an faith to carry on till we all meet again with our loved ones on the other side.
Martin L Flournory
Saturday, January 19, 2019
I salute your sercive to God and country Buddy! Rest now with our Father, we will cary the liad for awhile.
Thom, know that I am here for anything you may want or need.
Marty