James Willis McElroy

James "Jay" Willis McElroy, 96 years, of Dallas, passed away on Tuesday January 21, 2020 at Brookdale Lake Highlands Assisted Living in Dallas, TX. He was born on Thursday February 15, 1923 in Ovilla, Tx the son of the late Walter G. and the late Jimmie McElroy. Jay was a very friendly man, a true public servant at heart. When he signed up for service in WWII, the military quickly discovered two things about him: (1) he was very good in math, and (2) his amiable disposition made him a good candidate as a trainer. The first half of his service was spent training aerial gunners how to shoot a moving target from an airborne plane, basically a practical application of relativity. He even trained Chinese gunners to help in the Pacific war effort. He knew that perhaps half of all gunners would not return home, and he was determined to train them well, making the whole experience as pleasant for them as possible. Jay served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1947.
Jay was with the Dallas Fire Department from 1947 - 1973. In 1973 Jay, his wife Joan, and several other couples had a vision for a Methodist church in the Cedar Creek Lake area. Within the next couple of years, their vision became reality. Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church was born and exists today as a vibrant and friendly church, a legacy of the McElroy community spirit. Jay, "Big Daddy," was greatly loved by his family and countless friends. He will be missed.
Jay is Preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Jimmie McElroy, Wife, Joan McElroy, son, G.W. Atkerson, Three sisters and Five Brothers.
He is Survived by a daughter, Aurelia and husband William Drake, daughter-in-law, Dorothea Atkerson, Three grandsons, Eric Atkerson. Joseph Drake and James Drake, granddaughters, Michelle Waldroup, Lynn Willingham, Nine Great-Grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and many other loved ones. Visitation will be held at Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church in Tool, TX Saturday, January 25 at 1:00 PM, followed directly by funeral service at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place on Monday, January 27, 2020 at 9:00AM at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Wounded Warriors, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516