James Elmer

James "Jim" Elmer, 84, of Burlington, died at 9:27 am Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at his home.

Born March 14, 1937, in Las Vegas, NV, he was the son of Ervin Lafayette and Hazel Myrtle Hunt Elmer. On October 15, 1962, he married Eva Ann Byrnes in Oquawka, IL. 

He graduated high school in Las Vegas, NV in 1955. He then went on to attend Western Illinois University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1994 and a master's degree in 1995.84

He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving during the Cold War from June 29, 1955 until June 27, 1959.

Jim was a plant manager at Winegard for 17 years; he was self-employed as a management consultant for 22 years. He had also worked for Nauvoo Cheese Co. as the Vice President of Operations for 11 years and at Pratt & Whitney as Plant Engineer of Aircraft Engines for three years.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he was also a Sunday School teacher, Scout Master, Elder, and member of the choir. Jim was also a member of Lions, Chamber of Commerce, School Board, AEA Board, Girl Scout Council President, Mason's/Eastern Star, and Art Guild Board and Interim Director. He had won the Outstanding Young Man Award in 1967, Emmy in 2002, the Great River Medical Center Volunteer Spirit of Giving Award in 2008, and Mayor's Volunteer (Cultural and Performing Arts) in 2002. Jim enjoyed cooking, golfing, boating, traveling, remodeling, acting, and volunteering- for Burlington Steamboat Days and particularly for Great River Hospice where he had been a volunteer for 12 years.

Survivors include his wife, Eva Ann; six children,Stacey Schramm of Stronghurst, IL, Scott (Marnie) Elmer of Morristown, MN, Michael (Vicki) Elmer of Boca Raton, FL, Karen Elmer of Kansas City, MO, James (Joanne) Elmer, II of Johnston, IA, and Elizabeth (David) Garrison of Piedmont, OK; six grandchildren, Melissa Wood, Drew (Amie) Elmer, Merry (Ryan) Heppler, Juli (Chris) Hamilton, Jacey Elmer, Angela Elmer; six great-grandchildren, Dakarai, Caitie, Amaziah, Cody, Alison, & Max; one brother, Bill Elmer of Henderson, NV; and two niece and two nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather.

 The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM with Eastern Star Rites to follow, on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church.

The funeral service for Mr. Elmer will be 11:00 AM Saturday, May 22, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Debra L. Kinney officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard.  Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.  A celebration of life luncheon will be held at the Burlington Golf Club following the burial.

A memorial has been established for First Presbyterian Church Organ Fund.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.