James Robert McNelly

James Robert McNelly of Scottsdale, passed away May 7, 2024.

Jim was born March 27, 1931 to Robert and Gladys McNelly, in Winslow, Arizona. Jim spent his entire childhood in Winslow, and made Northern Arizona his personal playground.

After graduating from high school, Jim worked as a mechanic's assistant at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. There he installed propellors on various types of aircraft and corrected engine installation mistakes.

His experience at Hill led him to honorably serve four years in the U.S. Air Force. He was first deployed to Germany where he was assigned to work on airborne equipment, and then was reassigned to a radio relay squad in France. He most enjoyed maneuvers where radio and power sites needed to be set up, operated and moved several times every few days. He was the supervisor or site chief on several locations, leading 6 to 10 comrades in their missions.

Upon returning from Europe and being honorably discharged, Jim attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, in the spring of 1958.

After graduating from U of A, Jim briefly worked for RCA teaching mechanical refrigeration courses, and Pan American Airways as a mechanical designer on the Yuma Missile Range. It was in 1961 that Jim was first hired by Arizona Public Service, initially as a Power Plant Results Engineer, and over the course of 30 years served as a Protection & Communication Engineer, System Programmer, and ultimately the Consulting Engineer.

Jim was never one to discuss his accomplishments, and it wasn't until decades after his retirement from APS in March of 1990 his family discovered a file filled with letters of commendation, and awards for remarkable achievements. Another little known fact about Jim, he was a member of Mensa, scoring in the 99th percentile, with an IQ of 154.

In his personal life, Jim met and married Nancy Helen Warner in June of 1962. They were married five years and share children Robert Laurence McNelly, and Barbara Ellen (McNelly) Savoy. In 1971,Jim remarried to Ruth Alice (Williams) Wold, which brought bonus daughter, Shannon Kelly Wold, and created a 46 year union. His children will tell you his most outstanding life accomplishment was fatherhood, which he succeeded at, like no other.

Jim is survived by his children Shannon Wold, Bob McNelly, and Barb Savoy, as well as grandson James Tolin McNelly, step-granddaughter Erin (Pacella) Harshman, step-great grandchildren Willa Harshman, Hayes Harshman, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

A Celebration of Life is planned from 1:00-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 3rd at McDonald's Ranch 26540 N. Scottsdale Rd. All who would like to celebrate the love and generosity Jim exuded are invited. Please, RSVP to BeSavoy@msn.com.

He will be missed more than words can say.