James “Jim” E. Elder, 85, of Covington, joined his loved ones in Heaven on Dec. 28, after a long struggle with numerous ailments. Jim was born on April 4, 1933, in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania. After high school, he served in the U.S. Army and later graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. While attending Pitt, he met and married Jean Hines in 1957. Early in his professional career Jim moved his family to Lighthouse Point, Florida where the family enjoyed a relatively undeveloped South Florida for 36 years.  He had a long career with numerous corporations including Westinghouse, IBM, RCA and Bendix.  Upon retirement, Jim and Jean relocated to Covington, Georgia and quickly felt at home within the community.  Jim was an avid reader who loved traveling and coaching youth sports. He was also active in the Presbyterian Church where he served in numerous leadership positions spanning decades.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Sandy and his parents Myron and Mary Elder.

Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Jean Hines Elder; daughter Terry; sons: Russ and Scott (wife Stacy); seven grandchildren: Jessica, Jennifer, Kirsten, Lane, Grace, Rose and Grant; three great-grandchildren: Brooke, Brody, and Bennett; brother Myron Elder of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 31, at the First Presbyterian Church in Covington.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations may be made to Sandy’s Dog Park at Chimney Park, P.O. Box 726, Oxford, GA 30054.