JIMMY CHARLES ELLIOTT May 21, 1929 – Aug. 29, 2024
Jimmy Charles Elliott passed away peacefully at home in the arms of his family on August 29, 2024, at the age of 95.
He is survived by his children Susan Russell, Keith (Alyce) Elliott, Jennifer Elliott, James Elliott, grandchildren Jerrod (Emily) Elliott-Rowlison, Dawna (Ben) Macdonell, Dana (Chuck) Elliott, and Ashley (Travis) Gilbert, Great-grandchildren Madeline, Logan, and Josie Elliott-Rowlison and Carson and Ayden Macdonell, his nieces Antwinette, and Dorothy, and nephews Rick and Charlie. Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy, daughter Anna Joan Elliott, sister Josephine, and brother Herman Elliott.
Jimmy was born in Santa Fe, NM, on May 21, 1929, to James Charles Elliott and Rose Romero. Jimmy had many happy memories of his childhood and school years. He was raised Catholic and remained a devoted and faithful man throughout his life. In the absence of his Father he worked many little jobs to help his Mom and Grandmother, Isabel. One of his favorite stories is the 10 cent job making potato chips. He learned from an early age to work hard and find joy along the way. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1948.
After graduation, Jimmy joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in California, Texas and his favorite the Alaskan Aleutian Islands. He began as a teletype operator and worked his way up to Staff Sargent. During a leave in 1952 he went to Arkansas with his AF buddy Larry Eastridge and fell in love with Larry’s sister Dorothy Marie Eastridge. After an honorable discharge he married Dorothy in 1953, it was the beginning of a beautiful 70 yearlong love story.
Jimmy started his career at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in 1953 and he and Dorothy eventually settled there to raise their family. Most of his career was spent at the PHERMEX facility as an expert technician and machinist. He made invaluable contributions to PHERMEX and always enjoyed his work and the lifelong friendships made during his those years. During this time he earned the nickname “Yogi”. We never got the full story, but, think it had to do with missing lunches.
During his years in Los Alamos Jimmy enjoyed skiing, bowling, fishing, boating and camping at Navajo Lake with his family. Golf was always one of his joys, especially playing with his sons, and Grandson Jerrod. He had a hole-in-one during a tournament at Los Alamos Golf Course! He also worked evening and weekends doing heating and plumbing through his business Hilltop Heating. He was a multi-talented man who could build or fix anything.
He retired in 1989 after a successful 35 year career at age 60. He and Dorothy stayed in Los Alamos for a few years but eventually moved to Albuquerque in 1998 into a home they truly enjoyed until their final days. He and Dorothy created a beautiful home and with both of their touches brought warmth and beauty.
Along with his brother Herman and son Keith they joined the Northern New Mexico Seniors playing tournaments in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. He and Dorothy were blessed to be able to travel to Spain, Ireland, Scotland and Paris, and also enjoyed Boston, Arizona, Colorado, and Dorothy’s home of Arkansas. They were always up for an adventure and seeing new places. Jimmy was often found in the garage doing woodwork, making cabinets, benches, birdhouses, mirrors, crosses, and other beautiful pieces of art we will always treasure.
He was famous for his red chili which was a family favorite and a necessary dish at all Thanksgiving dinners. His grandson Carson seems to have learned his recipe quite well, but we all try. It must have been his favorite spoon that made it work.
Dorothy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017 and Jimmy stood by her side and took care of her until her last day. When she passed away last year his health started to decline and as much as he loved life after 70 years his heart ached for his girl. The family would like to thank his nurse Jennifer, many special Doctors, neighbors, and friends for your prayers and support during this time. We are forever grateful to you.
Jimmy Charles Elliott May 21, 1929 – Aug. 29, 2024
Jimmy always a had a warm bright smile and always said “It’s how you live your life that really matters”. Kindness, compassion, optimism, integrity, faith, quick to lend a hand and slow to judge, he lived by his words as this was his nature. We feel so blessed to have had this amazing soul as a guiding light, north star, and moral compass. This is not goodbye as you join Dorothy for eternity as in the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there. What a beautiful, long, healthy, and fulfilled life you lived.
A Mass for Jimmy will be celebrated at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Albuquerque, on Thursday September 26, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Father Nathan a beloved family friend will be saying mass. There will be a reception immediately following at the church’s parish hall. Jimmy’s Interment will be at 9:30 am, Friday, September 27 at the Santa Fe National Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers please donate to any charity close to your heart.