Major Lawrence James Elliott (pictured on the left), USAF, Ret. gently left behind those he loved at 12:35 p.m. Thursday 21 March 2024. Like his fellow warriors he was superbly supported and cared for by staff and volunteers at VA Black Hills Health Care System while on Post at Ft. Meade, South Dakota. It was his privilege to receive their salute in a procession from their presence.

Graveside Services with Military Honors by the Ellsworth Air Force Base United States Air Force Honor Guard at Black Hills National Cemetery will take place 1:30 p.m. Wednesday 27 March. The procession to the cemetery meets at 1:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Home. Following the service at Black Hills National Cemetery family and friends will gather to celebrate life and share memories. Information of location will be provided.

Send no flowers, shed no tears. Instead let family and friends gather where and when they may in the United States and Canada to share good food, drink, stories and memories of a fallen warrior who protected and loved you all well.

First of four children, Jim was born in St. Joseph Hospital, Parry Sound, Ontario Canada to Susan Emma Rita (Campbell) Elliott and Lawrence Elliott. At age fourteen the Elliott clan moved to Southern California. While his parents, two brothers and sister returned to Waubamik, Ontario; like his Scots ancestors and his Canadian father and uncles, Jim sought to temper his courage choosing to change his allegiance by becoming an American Citizen in order to enlist in the United States Air Force. Following graduation from Aviation Cadets he served a tour as Navigator/Co-Pilot of the Douglas A-26 Invader with the 609th ACS (NKP) Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand.

Education was always a priority with completion of a BS in Computer Science from Colorado State University, an MBA from Southern Illinois University and various Computer Systems Analyst and Engineering Certifications.

Growing up among beloved siblings, cousins, aunties, uncles and grandmothers, Jim learned to value the people and the place he called home. Those ties allowed him to roam the world while keeping family close. Jim was unafraid of new places and experiences. Taught early by a mother who never met a stranger, he cherished the friends who became family. He relished the challenges of air and water. Dodging gaters while water skiing the Ashley/Cooper Rivers or deadheads on the Missouri. His navigating included rivers, taking in stride the occasional dunking. He savored the hunt while cunningly avoiding cleaning game. He made time to share fellowship, fires, food, drink and tales with others who loved mountains, lakes, oceans, plains.

Jim is survived by his wife and partner of nearly 50 years, Patricia Ann (Maywald) Elliott of Rapid City; family in Parry Sound, Ontario including beloved sister Susan Marie Elliott, brothers Frank and William Elliott, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, extended family and friends; favorite mother-in-law, Beverly, sister-in-law, nephews and nieces; friends throughout the U.S. and Canada who have become family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sue and Larry, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brother-in-law.

Jim loved deeply, took pride in work well done, showed up, and kept his word. He valued Duty, Honor, Country, fulfilling the role of Protector, Son, Brother, Husband, Friend. Rest in well-earned Peace.

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