James "Jim" McElwee

James McElwee, age 77, of Odessa, formerly of Union, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Jim graduated from Union High School and worked as a master mechanic for Elizabethtown Gas for many years. Jim was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and participated in the recovery of the Apollo space craft when it splashed down in the pacific.

Jim was a quiet man with many passions. He was an avid surf fisherman down at the shore with the second best lure collection in the US. He attended almost every concert up and down the west coast. Jim enjoyed animals, having a deep love for his dogs and cats, and he enjoyed the simple life raising his chickens. Although he was a quiet man he also loved an exciting game of pinochle.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth (Stohl) and Joe McElwee and his brother, Joseph McElwee.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Lorraine; his daughter, April Pearce (Craig) and her daughter, Hunter Pearce; his son, Jim McElwee (Sue) and their children, Audrey, Shean and Sullivan; son, Jason Rowlin; siblings, MaryAnn Valentine, Pat Cudd (Richard), Charles McElwee (Lori) and Debbie Mills; niece, Gina Jeandell (TJ) and their children, Preston and McKinley; and many other nieces and extended family.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, July 10, 2026 at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 209 Washington Street Delaware City, DE19706.