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James Dalton Elsberry

1947 - 2020

BORN

1947

DIED

2020

About

University of Florida Wabash College

James Elsberry Obituary

James Dalton Elsberry, "Jim" was born in West Palm Beach, FL on June 8, 1947 and passed away on January 13, 2020 at the age of 72. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James D. and Shirley Elsberry. He is survived by his only sister, Joan McDonald (Eddy) and her four children, Nancy Jo Barrow (Ed), J. Robert McDonald, Richard McDonald (Jody) and Jeffrey McDonald (Tanya). He is also survived by his step-son Michael Donaldson (Tricia) and their daughter Abby. Other survivors include his great nieces and great nephews along with their children. Also surviving are a multitude of friends some of which were childhood friends.
Jim attended local schools, Belvedere Elementary, Conniston Junior High and Forest Hill High from which he graduated in 1965. He attended Wabash College, Palm Beach Junior College and University of Florida.
In the late 60's Jim traveled to California and did not return to Florida until 1977 at which time he began his 30 plus years working for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. He loved his job and was dedicated to the fire rescue team.
Jim was an extremely intelligent man who was an avid reader and could discuss anything with the greatest minds around, never forgetting things that he had read. He was especially passionate about history and politics. He watched football and all the other sports with great interest. We never called him during games unless it was an emergency. His TV set up consisted of 3 TV's which would each be broadcasting a different game. Jim loved to travel and was always planning his next trip.
There will be a celebration of life in a few weeks and the date will be posted on Facebook for those of you interested.
Jim was loved by his family and most everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him and will be truly missed by all of us.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude's or a charity of your choosing.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Palm Beach Post from Jan. 18 to Jan. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James Elsberry

18 Entries

Franchesca Seymore

January 13, 2024

Miss you Jim. Can't believe you've been gone for 4 years.

Peg

January 12, 2024

I miss our discussions of history!

Bill Deline

January 25, 2020

I first met Jim in the early 1970's when he came to San Jose with Michael Fisher. We all lived in the same Victorian house across the street from San Jose State. We spent many, many days and nights together sharing music, living life in the early '70's, going to concerts in San Francisco and listening to The Allman Brothers, Little Feat and any Southern bands. He worked at the local used record store and amassed a huge collection of LPs which we played till the needles on the turntable wore out. Always a Gator fan, I can remember when Jim got down, would "Do the Gator"...When he moved from San Jose to the Russian River the U-Haul trailer pulled by his Cougar was dragging in the back because of the 3,000 records he was hauling.....I have so many stories about Jim, some I could never tell and some I wish I could share....I was thrilled to reconnect with him on Facebook about a year ago and we had planned to meet at Michael Fisher's Celebration of Life on the Russian River this Spring. I am in deep shock about this. Jim was a true Brother in the sense of having the same passions about music, sports, politics and life. "Fly on Little Wing"

Paul Milelli

January 24, 2020

When Jim started with Palm Beach County's new EMS Division, his first question was What is EMS?. He learned quickly and soon became a staunch supporter of the program. Throughout his tenure with the Public Safety Department he was always ready to do any job that needed to be done. He loved to travel and regaled us with his adventures upon his return. My condolences to his family

Franchesca Seymore

January 24, 2020

Jim, I will always remember you as a friend and a neighbor. For 8 years we took care of each other. You taking me to the doctor or I taking you! I miss our little talks about life and politics. You were like a brother to me. I will miss you so!! God bless you!!

peggy Sampson Anderson

January 23, 2020

My recollections of Jim start with Conniston. Football staring role continued through FHHS.
We spoke a lot at the class of '65 gettogethers in the last few years. Enjoyed his sense of humor as we shared love of Gator football and history.
Miss you, Jim.

January 23, 2020

Jim's celebration of life will be held on Saturday February 1, 2020 from 2PM to 5PM at The National Croquet Center, 700 Florida Mango Road, West Palm Beach, Florida 33406.

Taleca Bradford

January 21, 2020

Jim will be greatly missed. He was respected for his wise knowledge was well received by all. Working with him back in the late 70's was very instructional. My heart hurts for his family, friends and coworkers.

Jo Ella Manalan

January 21, 2020

I loved Jim's history gems on FB. You could always count on him for an intelligent and thoughtful treatment of ideas. We had a lot of fun at our get-togethers and his death leaves a BIG empty spot in our group of high school friends.

January 20, 2020

Jim was my really dear friend at Forest Hill High and during a college years. I smile thinking about what a special person was. I still see him in his football uniform with a great big smile. Please let me know when the service will be held.
Joan Speer Henderson
772-234--1588
[email protected]

vicki sheppard

January 20, 2020

Please let us know when the service is scheduled so we can send out information to PBCFR and retirees - [email protected]

Stephen Sabo

January 20, 2020

Jim was my First Boss at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and was always in a happy mood. He always said hello, was fair, and just a good guy all around. He's going to be missed but always remembered.

Kathy Minns

January 20, 2020

Your kindness and inspiration among other things will always be remembered. Rest In Peace.

Elaine Bowman

January 20, 2020

Although we didn't know each other very well in high school, we connected at a high school reunion and I could only wish I had known Jim in the past like I grew to know him now. He was a wonderful, considerate man who has left me with very fond memories. I"m glad I got to sit next to you Jim at the last gathering. You will be missed and thought of often.

Randy & Vicki Sheppard

January 20, 2020

Jim was a dedicated employee and great friend. I enjoyed talking and trading travel plans with him. The world has lost a gentle soul. RIP

Randy Monchick

January 20, 2020

A very special man....

Penny McElroy

January 19, 2020

Jim you will be missed.

Chief (retired) Southard

January 19, 2020

I worked with Jim for probably most of his years with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. He was involved in the consolidation of ten separate fire districts to what would become Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Heading up our communications division, Jim had the difficult task of keeping track of multiple radio channels simultaneously. He was extremely dedicated to his profession and was proud to be part of the FireRescue team. I enjoyed working with him and appreciated his excellent work ethic. Rest In Peace Jim.

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