Jim McKelvey

James W. “Jim” McKelvey of Rock Hall, Maryland, formerly of Bedminster New Jersey and long time resident of Havertown, Delaware County, PA died on Tuesday,February 5, 2002 at Christiana Hospital in Delaware. He was 71. Born in Pennsylvania on April 5, 1930 he was the son of the late James W. Sr. and Ella Raysor McKelvey. Jim was the beloved father of Joni McKelvey- Holland and her husband, Robert of Raritan, NJ, and James A. McKelvey and his wife, Karleen of Hillsborough, NJ; brother to Margaret Genzano of Parkertown, NJ; Pop-Pop to Billy Anderson and Skylar Holland and unborn grandchildren due in August and June. He was the loving partner of Sara Jane “Tillie” MacQueen of Rock Hall, MD and stepfather figure to her children, Brian, Bruce, and Brett and their wives and 3 grandchildren, Katie, Kyle and Taylor. He is also survived by his former wife, Joan Ploney McKelvey of Pueblo, CO. James'' effect on the many lives he touched was great and the void created by his passing will be felt deeply by many. Jim was a boating enthusiast who shared his love of the water and the beauty of the Rock Hall wildlife generously with friends and family on many occasions. Jim loved to spend time with his partner Tillie, and their many friends in and around the area. Jim and Tillie shared their time together enjoying the opportunities that life gave them and facing the challenges of life together. Jim was always ready to help out a friend or neighbor who might need a hand. He was a natural entertainer sharing his skills on the grill with whoever happened by. Jim was an avid collector of many diverse collectibles and was always willing to share his wealth of knowledge on almost any topic. Jim was owner of McKelvey Oldsmobile 1970 to 1990 having worked in prior years for GM in many markets in the New York tri-state area. Even the most casual acquaintances could quickly learn why Jim was so successful in the automobile industry, he radiated a natural feeling of caring and compassion, demonstrated a great sense of humor and genuine optimism that made him easy to speak with and quick to love. Upon his retirement Jim relocated to the Rock Hall area where he had developed many deep friendships from time spent visiting the area. Jim was a devoted friend to many in the community and maintained close relationships to many waterman and long time residents. He was a member of the Sgt. Preston Ashley American Legion Post #228 Rock Hall and the Artisans. Jim thrived in doing for Tillie, his children, and his many, many friends who will miss him dearly. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2002 at 11:00 at Wesley Chapel Church in Rock Hall, MD. Relatives and friends may call on Friday, February 8, 2002 between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 P.M. at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home, 130 Speer Road, Chestertown, MD. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, 162 Prince George St., Annapolis, Md. 21401. Arrangement by Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home Rock Hall, Md.