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James McKelvey Obituary
88, of Mesa,m Ariz. passed away on November 19, 2012. Jim was born May 7, 1924 in Aurora, S.D. He graduated from Brookings High School in 1941. Jim served in the US Navy during WWII. He attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and returned to South Dakota to open Jim's Electric in Aurora, SD. He married Maxcine Diedrich in 1949 and they had nine children. In 1968, the family moved to Sioux Falls, SD where he worked for Electric Construction; and in 1978, to Mesa, AZ, where he was employed by Walt's TV. Preceding Jim in death are his daughter Kayleen; sons Michael and Brian; and his siblings Kenneth, Irene, Lois Kathleen, and LeRoy Francis. He is survived by his wife, Maxcine; six children, Debralee (Mark) Nelson of Vermillion, SD; Mary Gael of Mesa, AZ; Jody (George) Weeks of Ontario, CA; Timothy (Nora) of Tampa, FL; Kelly (Rob) of Mesa, AZ; Shawn (Jennifer) of Temecula, CA; 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Services will be held at 10am on Saturday, November 24 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1551 E. Dana Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204, (480) 964-1719. The family will be praying the Holy Rosary at 9:30am. Private inurnment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Banner Hospice, 275 E. Germann Road Suite #110, Gilbert, Arizona 85297. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 400 S. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85206, (480) 830-4422. Please visit www.MariposaGardens.com to leave a tribute to Jim.
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Memories and Condolences
for James McKelvey
Ryan McKelvey
January 7, 2013
Hey Grandpa! I know I am writing this a little late, just been hard to figure out what to say. All I think about is how happy I was when was around you, Christmas morning, shooting pool, bowling, playing shuffleboard, and fishing at the pond at Brentwood. Also, how funny it looked when you were swimming and your hair stood up on your back and made you looked like a porcupine. I know it is silly, but it is the little funny things like that, that made me smile. I am so happy and blessed that you had the opportunity to meet Emme, and just like her amazing great Grandfather she doesnt take no for an answer, Even though the time we spent together is limited I see a twinkle of you in Emme's eyes. Gandpa, you ARE an amazing man, loving, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Thank you for you service, and defending our country.
Non Sibi Sed Patriae and Semper Fidelis my Brother,
Your Loving Grandson,
Ryan
Deb Nelson
December 2, 2012
Philomena and anyone elae needing moms address, please email me at dmnelson@ Speednet.com and I will send you the information. Thank you for your consodolances. Am sure mom would love to hear from you!.
Philomena Jacox
December 1, 2012
My condolences to Jim's family. I was not able to find an address for Maxine so am hoping to reach her this way. I am Philomena (Murray) Jacox, daughter of Paul and Eleanor Murray. I have fond memories of the McKelvey family. There was always so much fun and laughter when our families were together. I am sure that Jim has added a new joy to heaven. God bless you all.
November 29, 2012
Thanks for sending this, Deb. The obituary was in the Brookings paper also and I cut it out. I also enjoyed watching the slide show. It certainly brought tears to my eyes. I want to talk to your Mom, but thought this weekend might be a good time when things have slowed down a bit for her. Love and prayers, Donna Diedrich
November 26, 2012
It was a hard day today, heading back to SD and leaving Mom to find her way without you by her side. Of all days, the first day back to work and i had included case studies im my lecture that included family pictures, including yours i cried in front of my class.
You can be proud of your kids and how they are stepping up to smooth the way for her, just as you would want. I know you weren't ready to say goodbye yet, and neither were we, but please know how much we love you. Parkinson's robbed your body but you didn't let it destroy your mind or spirit. I am so glad you were able to visit with all the kids and grand kids.
We kids know how lucky we were to have a dad who was so willing to fix our homes and cars, coach baseball, dance like a pro, build anything, and could make a mean salami and peanut butter sandwich. You worked hard and provided well for a large family and I never heard you complain. I have heard so many people comment about your sense of humor...thanks for sharing that gift with us. Laughter has been good medicine for our family.
Dad, I will carry you forever in my heart. All my love. Deb
Mike Thompson
November 26, 2012
I recall many good times in Aurora with the McKelvey family. My prayers are with you all.. Mike Thompson New Prague MN, son of Dale and Marilyn
November 26, 2012
I love you Dad and I miss you very much. Thank you for everything you did for me growing up. You never missed one of my football games, and you rebuilt my old motorcycle in the garage. I'll never forget how excited you were to tell me the news when I won that Library poster competition. You came running out of the house on Diamond, just as I pulled into the driveway and gave me a huge hug and said "you won". Everytime I drive back to California there is one part of the drive that reminds me of when you and Mom drove me an all my stuff to California to go to College. I still get this warm feeling everytime I drive there, part happy about the future and part sad about leaving Arizona... now I just remember how much you (and Mom) sacrificed to send me there. I hope I can do for my kids what you have done for me.
i love you,
Shawn
Marlys Bringelson
November 24, 2012
Maxine~ We've seen each other only a few times since graduating high school together in 1949 and the times we did get together I remember as being a lot of fun. I was just looking at some pictures that we took of you and Jim the last time we were together in Az. and they brought back many happy memories. We extend our thoughts and sympathy to you and your family at this sad time.
Marlys and Al Bringelson
Linda Smidt
November 24, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family Maxcine. From all of the Buchholtz' family!
Mary Willrodt
November 23, 2012
McKelvey family, So sorry to hear about Jim! I have thought of him often with fond memories. He was always so fun loving and easy to be around. He made me a bet as a kid that I would drink a beer before I was 23. I had tasted the stuff and thought it was nasty, so I figured it was a sure bet for me to win. Wrong! He let me out of it though. God bless you all and may your fond memories help heal your broken hearts. Much love, Mary Jo Murray Willrodt
Chuck Vasgaard
November 23, 2012
I started working for Electric Construction doing deliveries in 1972. At first I was not sure about Jim but we became good friends. He often looked for and even waited for me to get back from a delivery if he had large TV to bring in for repair or a new one to deliver. He hated to seem me move on to other employment. At that time little did I realize my cousin George would marry his daughter Jodie. I had a chance to visit with Jodie at my aunt's funeral last spring and catch up on some of Jim's activities. He was a great guy and touched many lives. We will keep your family in our prayers as you morn your loss. Chuck and Joan Vasgaard
Kathie Allstot
November 23, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. I will always have found memories of the McKelvey family growing up with us in Aurora. There were some sad times, but, mostly happy memories. One I remember is helping pick potatoes...another was our parades...another was your Mom's cookies and cakes...and too many more to include here. As you gather together to mourn your loss may memories of family and old friends surround you.
Tony Murray
November 22, 2012
Maxcine and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of a great husband and father. I know my parents always looked forward to their visits with you. I can still hear all the laughter that would come from the kitchen when you would visit. Jim was always so kind and had such a warm smile. Know that my prayers and thoughts are with you. May his peace be upon you.
Jeff and Mary Muhlenkort
November 22, 2012
I can see Jim sitting on Deb's porch in SD and at swan lake smiling, laughing and talking to everybody. I always looked forward to Deb sharing the McKevley family Christmas calendar with us so we could see how much everybody had changed and the new family members added. This man will be missed but never forgotten and will always be remembered especially when we play sequence. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts during this sad time.
Mary Mohr
November 22, 2012
Maxine,Jody,George and family we are very sorry for your loss. Jim was such a neat guy and will be missed by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mike, Mary, Chris and Allison Mohr/Beresford SD
Connor McKelvey
November 21, 2012
Grandpa,
I have close memories of our families trips to your and Grandma's house, where we fed ducks at the lake, fun times in New Mexico, your 80th birthday in Sedona and The Phoenix Sun's game we attended with my dad and Uncle Shawn. When I was a young child, you used to tell me “Connor, eat a plum, it puts hair on your chest.” No matter the tactic, or how many times you tried, you could not get me to eat a plum. That says a lot about you, Grandpa. Now that I am older I know that plums do not “put hair on your chest.” But I know what does–determination. Determination got you through the Second World War, through engineering school, and allowed you to become the successful business owner, loving father and inspiring grandfather that you are. The hair on your chest comes from your life experiences and hard work. Though we did not spend much time together in recent years, I still remember you telling me stories of your early days and when we were apart my dad told me these stories. Your determination was seen and felt by our whole family until you're passing and is most inspiring to me. My dad just told me of how you insisted on doing your arm and leg exercises in bed; you were determined until the very end. Still, till this day I have never eaten a plum. You can call me stubborn or call me determined, I just hope one day, just as I did when I was a little boy, that I could have as much hair on my chest as you.
I love you Grandpa,
Connor
Mary McKelvey
November 21, 2012
I will always remember Uncle Jim and how he welcomed me into the family all those years ago. He was so much fun to hang out with at family reunions and on our visits. I know he will keep the good Lord in stitches with his wonderful sense of humor! Much Love and all our prayers for the family.
Mary and Mark McKelvey
November 21, 2012
Jim was a wonderful father-in-law. Although we didn't get to spend as much time together in recent years, I have great memories of our trips to Mesa and his visits to Dayton, Columbus, Annapolis, EAFB, Albuquerque and Niceville. Those memories will never fade. His strength and determination in life has helped me!
I know you are at peace now but you will be missed so much! You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Your faith will help you during this difficult time. Love and Prayers, Nora
Jody Weeks
November 20, 2012
Goodbye Daddy! I will miss you so much. I have such great memories of growing up in Aurora. Your skating rink, swingset, etc. All the things you did to make life fun for your kids. Also, as we got older, the game nights and competition where you taught us how to win, and how to lose. I couldn't ask for a better father for my life, and I will miss you so much. I hope your path to heaven is easy, as you struggled so hard to get there. I love you, Dad,
Jody
Jody Weeks
November 20, 2012
Good bye, Daddy,
Every thing good about me, I learned from you and mom. I had the best childhood any child could have. Aurora was the best place for a kid to grow up, and you helped us ease into city life. All the game days, etc. will always be remembered. I Love You!!! Jody
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