James W McElhone

James W. McElhone, 82, of Torrington, CT died peacefully at home early Sunday morning in the
presence of his loving family just one day shy of his 83rd birthday.
Strong of character and generous of spirit, Jim was a fiercely loyal husband, father, grandfather, and
friend. His stoic demeanor and intimidating physical presence – tall and broad-shouldered – made him
seem even larger than his 6’4” frame. While comfortable with the quiet, Jim’s biting wit and sense of
humor will always be legendary to those family and friends who knew him best.
He was born January 30, 1940 in Torrington, son of the late William J. and Esther (Patterson) McElhone.
A lifelong resident of Highland Avenue, Jim was a 1958 graduate of Torrington High School and member
of that year’s famed Naugatuck Valley League championship basketball team. His imposing height and
passion for sports made him a natural player on the court, though his missed foul shot in the state
championship good-naturedly entered family lore long ago.
After enlisting in the Navy in 1959, his service on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier brought
him around the world to France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, and Italy. His military service was
extended by the Cuban Missile Crisis in the fall of 1962 and he was honorably discharged in January
1963.
Meanwhile, back at home, Jim started dating Judy Gamble, the love of his life, while on leave in 1960.
Their first date was a memorable one – a drive-in screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho – and they
married in February 1963 less than a month after he left the Navy. Over the next 60 years of marriage,
he and Judy would build a wonderful life together – raising four children, enjoying seven grandchildren,
and remaining best friends.
In 1970, just a half mile from his childhood home at the top of Highland Avenue, Jim built the home on
land his father had purchased fifty years prior. Upon moving in, he stated plainly to Judy – “This is the
house I’ll die in.” He was always true to his word.
After more than a decade at O&G Industries and other firms, Jim established McElhone Construction, his
own drilling and blasting business, in 1975. At the time, with four young kids and a family to support,
striking out on his own was a big risk. His bet on himself paid off – supporting generations of his family
and giving him the freedom and independence to be his own boss and choose where he spent each day.
Forty-seven years later, that legacy continues with son James, Jr. at the helm of McElhone Construction.
For Jim, family was at the center of everything. Family always came first. Although his daily work
surrounded him with explosives and earth-moving machinery, his wife and daughters were painters,
photographers, and all attended art schools. Never once did he diminish their pursuits, and he was an
ardent supporter of everyone in his family. He was especially proud of Judy’s efforts in recent years to
establish Five Points Arts in Torrington, even being the first to suggest the name. As the McElhone family
multiplied and grew over time, he and Judy hosted everyone for an annual two-week summer gathering
on Block Island that brought this already close family even closer together.
Jim never retired. While he may have made more time to faithfully watch the Red Sox year in and year
out, he stayed engaged with the business he created up until the end. In later years, he would often be
seen surveying construction sites with one of his devoted labradors by his side.

He is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Maureen McElhone; his sister, Meredith “Patsy”
Angelovich; and brother-in-laws Andrew Angelovich and Gregory Broskie. In addition to his wife, Judith
(Gamble) McElhone, Jim leaves a sister, Margaret “Peggy” Broskie and her partner Dan Metzler of
Westboro, Massachusetts; son Patrick McElhone of Torrington; son James Jr. and his wife, Marsha
McElhone of Warren; and a daughter Kara McElhone and her husband Eric Yates of Easthampton,
Massachusetts. He also leaves seven adoring grandchildren – Patrick McElhone Jr., Erin McElhone,
Matthew McElhone, Megan (McElhone) Campanelli, Ava McElhone Yates, Ruby McElhone Yates, and
Liam McElhone.
Calling hours will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm this Wednesday, February 1 st at Phalen Funeral Home
(285 Migeon Avenue) in Torrington. A memorial service will also be held this Thursday, February 2 nd at
11:00 am at Phalen Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Torrington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Jim’s name to Community Kitchen of Torrington
or a charity of your choice. Donate online at www.torringtonsoupkitchen.com/creating-impact/ or mail
to Community Kitchen of Torrington; P.O. Box 852, Torrington, CT 06790.

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