James E. Elmer, Sr.

James Edward Elmer, Sr., 84, of Elmersville, died June 27, 2006. James was the oldest of three sons of Jessie Jeanette and Jesse James Elmer, who were early pioneers to the Sedona area, homesteading on the lower Red Rock Loop Road. During World War II, while serving in the Marine Corps, James met his wife Antoinette in Chicago, where they raised their family, and finally retired back to Elmersville in the early 1980's, where he spent untold hours teaching friends and grandchildren how to horseback ride. James retired from the Grand Trunk Western Railroad, but also spent many years restoring cars, which later became a hobby he shared with his children. He spent many hours fishing and boating with his kids. Grandpa was also ready to pull another skier behind his boat. One of the delights he shared with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren are his model trains running throughout his home. James fought a valiant fight with health issues the last several years of his life, but maintained his graceful spirit of determination to the end. James will be remembered for his kind, quiet, loving demeanor, and leaves behind millions of wonderful memories, along with 7 children: James E. Elmer, Jr. (Marcy) of Clarkdale, Terry Elmer of Tinley Park, IL, Merry Carol Shanks (Gerald) of Cornville, Ron Elmer (Yvonne) of Tucson, Kathie Hamblen (John) of Sedona, Karen Swanson of Peoria, AZ, and Sharon Chandler of Tucson. James also leaves behind 23 Grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be Monday, July 3, 2006 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Westcott Funeral Home, 1013 E. Mingus Ave., in Cottonwood. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, July 5, 2006 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 180 Soldier Pass Road in Sedona, following which, graveside services will be held at Schuerman-Red Rock Cemetery on the Upper Red Rock Loop Road. The Family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to the Sedona Historical Society for the restoration and preservation of Schuerman-Red Rock Cemetery. An online guestbook is available at www.westcottfuneralhome.com