Jb Mcelroy

July 20, 1921, was a special day for the McElroy, Sayre and Eskew families. A little boy by the name of JB was born to Frances (Sayre) and John Emery McElroy. At that time, the Eskew family had no idea the impact this birth would have on them. JB was born deep in Sloan Canyon, Union County, New Mexico at the home of his grandparents. JB loved the canyon and told many stories of the good and bad times he experienced there. With the help of his Uncle Tom and his Grandparents, JB was able to stay in the canyon for several years. He lived through the dust bowl days and the great depression and is of the generation named “The Greatest Generation.” JB’s father died when he was three and one-half years of age making life during the dust bowl days and depression even more challenging than for many little boys.

The little family moved to Mancos, Colorado when JB was a teenager. There, he worked to help provide for his Mom, grandparents, and sister. He was a selfless person. Nell told stories of the many times he carried her to school on his back when the snow was too deep for her to walk and how he worked to pay for things she needed, sacrificing his own needs.

JB served our country proudly in the South Pacific during WWII. During the three years he was overseas, he earned several medals including the Bronze Star. Upon his return to the states, JB resumed his role as provider for his mother and grandparents. He moved the family to Springfield, Colorado where he worked for the gas company. He met a pretty girl named Norma Eskew and the love bug struck. He and Norma were married September 9, 1956. They were blessed with a son, Thomas Emery. Tom was the light of their lives. The Eskew family became his family and he loved each of them deeply. Tom, along with JB’s mother, Frances, was killed in a tragic automobile accident. Norma’s mother had died only weeks before leaving JB and Norma with a void that would never be filled. JB recently said Tom was the first thing he thought of in the morning and the last thing he thought of at bedtime.

Upon Norma’s death in 2012, JB moved to Westville, Oklahoma to live with his sister. They were a comfort to each other and reminisced about the days in Sloan Canyon and beyond. When he first arrived in Westville, he often went to check cattle with Dale, Margie’s husband and would take Nell for rides around her ranch in a golf cart Marian and husband Bobby gave him. He was a joy to be around. When his health declined, he enjoyed listening to the Bronco games and Fox News. Nell’s family was large and he cherished visits from each one. JB’s Eskew family as well as several Colorado friends stayed in close contact with him and always put a smile on his face with phone calls, visits and cards.

JB passed from this world into Glory from complications of Parkinson’s disease on October 23, 2019, at the age of 98. JB is loved and will be missed by family and friends but each will have fond memories of a kind, giving and loving person.

JB is survived by his nieces and nephews: Margaret Jo Tillery; Marian and husband, Bobby Williams; Marjorie and husband, Dale Snyder; Eddy Murray; Ron and wife, Robyn Williamson; Nola and husband, Chuck Clark; Della and husband, Corky Ware; Bonnie and husband, Lester Rader; Gratton and wife, Cindy Giles; Melanie Palmer; Cindy and husband, Tom Knight, Bruce and wife, Cathy Eskew; Michelle Helms; Marsha Eskew; Mike and wife, Chris Eskew; Kent Eskew; Brent and wife, Erin Eskew; Jindy Eskew

As well as Brothers-in-law: Jerry and wife, Ruth Eskew; Gerald and wife, Donna Eskew, sister-in-law: Virginia Eskew and the special ladies who cared for and loved JB: Beverly Murray, Marlene Dress, and Emma Williams

JB suggested memorial contributions in lieu of flowers be given to the

Springfield Cemetery C/O Mildred Norton, 36687 County Rd. DD, Vilas, CO 81087

Springfield Church of God, 900 Tipton St, Springfield, CO 81073