James B Elder

Tucson - James B Elder left this world on Wednesday July 16, at home, in his favorite lazy boy chair in Tucson, AZ, after 87 beautiful years surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Somerset, OH on Feb 3, 1938, where he was the baby of 9 children. He was preceded in death by the love of his life Sophie Elder who he was married to for nearly 60 years. With her coaxing they traveled the world together, including 15 cruises, a handful of bus trips, multiple car rides and even a couple of train rides. He liked to keep track of his cross-country driving trips based on the numerous road maps he kept.

He is survived by his children, James (Kathy), Michael (Annette), Stephani, and Paul (Chamaine); 3 grandchildren, Courtney Mullins (Ryan), Brianna, and Austin; and one great-grandson Dean. He has one surviving sister Eleanor Kelley living in Ohio, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

20 years, six months and 2 days of his life were spent in the Coast Guard. He was proud to be a "Coastie" and stayed in touch with other retirees until his passing. His Coast Guard memories included being part of the funeral procession for General Douglas MacArthur, and a pallbearer for President Herbert Hoover. He loved to stay in touch via phone calls, emails, and texts with his kids, relatives, friends, and high school classmates.

He did not ask for any services or special send off. He asked that his body be donated to science and his ashes given to the Coast Guard to be buried at sea.

Though he is no longer with us, his motto in life, "Que Sera, Sera, (Whatever will be, will be)," will live with us forever