I. James Elmore

Jim Elmore, 101, of Orange City, Florida, passed away peacefully in August 8, 2026 at Halifax Hospice Center.

Born on May 3, 1925, Jim grew up in South Fallsburg, New York, one of ten children born to W. Ray and Rosa Lewis Elmore. His family operated a 50-room boarding house and farm, the property that is now Tarry Brae Golf Course.

Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in August 1943 and became a pilot during the closing years of World War II. Following his military service, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a degree in engineering and met his future wife, Ruth. They were married in July 1950 and shared 70 years of marriage before Ruth's passing in 2020. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends via Zoom.

Jim enjoyed a 27-year engineering career with Stanley Works in New Britain, Connecticut, first as an engineer in the Strapping Systems Division and later in the Hand Tools Division.

Following retirement, Jim and Ruth moved to Florida and spent nearly 20 years at John Knox Village in Orange City. Jim enjoyed skiing and and tennis until age 90. He soundly beat his son Rich at ping pong in his 90th year. He was walking two to three miles each morning well into his 100th year.

He was also a gifted woodworker who found great joy in creating toys, rocking horses, furniture, horse tack boxes, and equestrian jumps for family and friends. Retirement also gave him the opportunity to travel extensively, especially to visit family throughout the Northeast and California.

Jim celebrated his 100th birthday with his dear friend Charlotte Pratt, whom he dearly loved, and who brought comfort and friendship to Jim in these final years. 

Jim is survived by his sons, Rich and Jim; daughters-in-law, Julie and Susan; grandchildren, Katie, Mike, Tony, Calvin, Anthony, Jasmine, and Scotch; and great-grandchildren, Ollie, Manu, Oli, Teddy, Lonnie and Esme. He is also survived by two great-children-to-be this fall: Estella and Asa. In addition to his wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by his parents and his nine siblings.

The family extends its sincere appreciation to the caregivers of John Knox Village and Halifax Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Jim will be remembered for his love of family, his generous spirit, his strong work ethic, and his enthusiasm for life. His warmth and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at John Knox Village with a date to be announced.