James Michael McElwee, 61, of Zanesville, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023, after a year-long battle with lung cancer. Jim was born on May 15, 1961, in Fresno, California to the late Amos and Joyce (McKee) McElwee. He would go on to live in Illinois, Kansas, and Ohio. He graduated from West Frankfort High School in 1980, and would work at many jobs before pursuing a passion of law enforcement. Jim was extremely proud of his service for the cities of Junction City, Kansas, Kankakee, Illinois, and Byesville, Ohio. He would end his working days as a security guard at Boeing in Newark, Ohio.
Jim enjoyed many hobbies, foremost of which were his cars. You could see him at many car shows throughout the year in his 1977 Corvette or his 1985 Camaro. Jim was also an exceptional dancer and loved disco music.
Jim was married to Lisa Durben (Rasmussen) in 1985, and was a wonderful father to two children, Ian McElwee (Kimberly) of Cambridge, and Britton McElwee (Stephanie Dulude) of Zanesville. He married Theresa (Moeller) McElwee in 2008, and blended their families as a caring step-father to Keith Moeller (Jennifer), Amee Bertke (Phil), and Melinda Moeller. He is survived by one sister: Patricia Irvin (James), and two brothers: Raymond Laws (Paula), and Charles McElwee (Penny), and 11 grandchildren.
Friends and family may call from 11:00 A.M. until time of service at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME, 1271 BLUE AVENUE ZANESVILLE with Pastor Dennis Rost officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Harmony Cemetery, 7024 Clay Pike Road Cambridge, Ohio 43725, where Jim will be laid to rest.
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