James Calvin McElhannon, age 89, of Anderson, SC, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022, at The Garden House of Anderson. Born July 5, 1932, in Iva, he was the son of the late Rev. Eugene McElhannon and Annie Mae Osborne McElhannon. Jim was a member of Palmetto Boys State Class of 1950 and a graduate of Tri County Technical College. He proudly and faithfully served his country for 24 years in the United States Navy until his retirement. Following his military career, he worked for Bigelow Sanford and AnMed Health retiring from both companies. Jim was a member of the Campbell Patriots and American Legion Post #183, a division of Campbell Patriots. He enjoyed 20 years with the Anderson Senior Follies and received an honorary degree from Anderson University. Jim loved music and was a renowned spoons player, and he was an avid Clemson Tigers fan. He was a member of Boulevard Baptist Church. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Sara Strickland McElhannon; sons, Greg McElhannon (Jane), Scott McElhannon (Shirley), and Brad McElhannon (Cameron); grandchildren, Marcie Reese, Ryan McElhannon, Helen McElhannon, Thomas McElhannon, and Anna Maret McElhannon; great grandchildren, Jackson and Gavin Reese; and sister, Juanita Patterson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Angela McElhannon; grandson, Rusty Prickett; brother, Eugene "Mac" McElhannon; and sister, Elizabeth Johnson. A private service will be held at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery with military honors provided by Campbell Patriots Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and Campbell Patriots Post 184, P.O. Box 364, Anderson, SC 29622. The family will be at their respective homes. Events Final Resting Place M.J. 'Dolly' Cooper Veterans Cemetery 140 Inway Drive Anderson, SC 29621