James Robert "Jim" McElhiney passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at the Milford Regional Medical Center.
Jim was born to Anne E. (Campbell) McElhiney and John A. McElhiney Sr, on December 5th,1963 in Methuen, MA. He grew up in North Andover, where he was one of five children. He is survived by his father, John A. "Jack" McElhiney Sr., and three siblings Lauri Murray, Mary McElhiney, and Robert McElhiney, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Anne McElhiney, and brother, John A. McElhiney, Jr.
Growing up in North Andover, Jim was active in St. Michael's parish. In high school, Jim was a part of a championship football team. Like the rest of his family, Jim grew up riding snowmobiles, minibikes, and ATVs but he also was an avid reader and history buff. He was a curious child and grew into a kind and caring man who was always interested in others.
Jim attended Boston College later transferring to Holy Cross and graduating with a degree in Economics He went on to serve in the army reserves and terrified his mother by jumping out of planes. After his service, he went to Northeastern and received a master's in accounting and later obtained an MBA.
Throughout his lifetime, he had many roles, but his favorite was being a father to his four children, Elizabeth, Justin, Patrick, and Andrew McElhiney. He fought hard for his children to get the best education and all the services they required. Both Justin and Andrew have intellectual and physical disabilities and Jim made sure they were set for the same success as Beth and Patrick. He was so proud of all his children; Elizabeth who is attending medical school in Texas, Patrick, running a successful and creative business, Justin for the smart, kind-hearted, and independent adult he has become, and Andrew for his relentless cheerfulness and the great joy that he brought to all.
Jim worked as a project manager of the IT/Cybersecurity department of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Later in life, James picked up the running bug and couldn’t stop running. He completed two Chicago marathons along with countless 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons.
In 2021, Jim was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma, an aggressive bile duct cancer that he fought so hard to beat. He ran both marathons in support of cholangiocarcinoma research and was the only patient of this cancer to do so. He and his family are forever thankful to the oncology staff at Tufts and MGH - especially, but not limited to, Dr. Haley Ellis - along with the ER and ICU staff at Milford Regional Hospital who helped make his final hours so peaceful. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to either the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation https://curecca.link/JimMcElhiney or Seven Hills Pediatric Center at Groton 22 Hillside Ave, Groton MA 01450.
The family invites friends and family to join us on Saturday, September 14th for calling hours from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Ginley-Crowley Funeral Home 3 Barber Street in Medway ginleyfuneralhomes.com A funeral mass will follow at noon at Saint Joseph’s Church 151 Village Street in Medway.
A burial service will be held on Monday, September 16th at 11:00 AM at Ridgewood Cemetery on Salem Street in North Andover. Friends and family are invited to attend, particularly those in the Merrimack Valley.