Jimmy Dale “Jim” Elder
Jimmy Dale “JIM” Elder, 64, of Quincy, Illinois passed away on July 14, 2021 at 10:05 p.m. at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri after a valiant battle with Covid. Jim was born on December 18, 1956, in Quincy, Illinois. He married Diana “DeDe” Powell on September 6, 1986. She survives.
Jim was the owner and operator of Elder Autobody a Quincy Illinois business he operated over 30 years.
Jim was of the Christian faith, and while he may not have gone to church every Sunday, he would often say that he felt like his time spent with family and friends at the drag strip was the same to him as he was able to thank the Lord for the blessings he had. Jim was a car enthusiast and the true definition of a car guy. He had been involved with drag racing in one form or another since he was 18 years old.
Jim was a husband, and a father and a best friend to his daughter Maria. Jim was most proud of his daughter and her accomplishments in Drag Racing having followed in her father’s footsteps. Jim and Maria had spent the last two years building and perfecting a dragster he built just for her. They had spent hundreds and hundreds of hours together building and dreaming and planning their time together on a journey of reaching the 4 second club a goal they set together. Jim was close with his daughter and made sure to spend time with her every day.
Jim was not just a hobbyist he was a true ambassador of the automotive world. He often designed, fabricated and painted masterful works of art that others would envy and applaud. Jim’s accolades include many awards for his paint and design including his designs making the biggest magazine publications in the country, several best of show awards, die cast cars and tractors made from his designs. His most recent project was a goal to build and drive a 200 mph three second nitro burning Nostalgia funny car. Jim’s passing come just days before this project was finished as it was nearly completed just days ago.
In addition to being a master at his art of paint and body fabrication he was also a professional level trap and skeet level shooter and had traveled the country shooting as a professional level archer. Jim had won so many events that the trophies and plaques were taking up too much space. He was asked one day why he was discarding all his trophies. Jim said “I don’t need trophies to show what I can do”
A saying he used teasing his wife and daughter was “I’m the best there was, and the best there ever will be” They always just laughed!
Jim spent his life giving to others and it was noticed. He spent his entire life helping others and putting everybody before himself. A man that would take his shirt off his back to help others.
In addition to his wife Jim was survived by his children: Kacy Hunter (Andrew) of Madison, Wisconsin and Maria Elder of Quincy, Illinois. Sister: Kristi Elder-Brown (John) of St. Francisville, Missouri. Numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives also survive.
Jim was preceded in death by his father Jim Elder, his mother Alice Knight and a sister Angie Elder.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 19, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Interment in Quincy Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to the family.
I am sorry for your loss. I only met him a few times but he was always kind and friendly with his advise. My prayers go out to the family.
So sorry for your loss Dede and Maria. Jim was a great man. gone way to0 soon and will forever be missed. Hugs to you both.
We are so sorry to hear, Jim was a really great guy, our prayers to his family and all that loved him I’m so glad I got to know him, Bob & Patti Boyd
Our thoughts and prayers are with you DeDe and family. Greatly admired Jim’s professional work and really enjoyed our visits. He certainly was a man of many talents.
I’ve known Jim for many years. He was a super nice guy. Prayers to his wife and children.
DeDe and familyI am sending my deepest sympathy so sorry to hear of your loss
Maria and family, Jim was one of a kind. Gone way to soon. May he rest in peace.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Brothers from different mother’s he was a fine man and will be missed.
Greg
Enjoyed all the stories. What a great guy. God Bless
Got to know Jim through the process of rebuilding my 56 Chevy pickup that was my dad’s. We had a lot of talks over that time period about his mom. I had already went through this with my mom. He spoke of his family quite often and was proud of you all. My condolences to you all. God Bless!
De De so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Prayers for you and your family.
Jim was a good man! The niche he developed in this area for repair, fabrication, and refinishing will truly be missed. My condolences to his family and friends for your loss.
Jim was one of a kind. He did a 69 Chevelle for me that was a trophy winner at Nauvoo, Barry, etc. Jim took care of my car like he was doing it for himself. Great guy to just talk to; Jim had a great laugh. He will be missed.
DeDe and Maria, I’m so sorry for the loss of Jimmy. Praying for you both. Jimmy was a great son to Alice. He is gone too soon and I’m thinking of you both.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim was an amazing friend and it was a pleasure working with him. He will be missed. He is definitely one of a kind.
how sad
such a wonderful person
what a loss
if you saw Jim you would hear about his family, obviously he thought the world of them. anyone who knew him will miss him!
Your loss hits all who knew him. He was a great guy, always willing to help. My deepest condolences.
Jim touched many lives during his time. I know many will miss him greatly. I know I do. I’ve lost a best friend. My heart goes out to Dee Dee and Maria and all those close to him.
Dede so sorry to hear of your husband’s death. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
DeDe and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Prayers!
Thinking of Dede and Maria…one of my best buddies. Gonna miss him tremendously.
Maria and Dede, my heart goes out to both of you, I loved this man so much, we had lots of conversations over the years, and he helped the guy on his race car that we are leased to. (Brent Hapke), saw Jim up there several times. Please understand that even though I can not be there Monday I will be thinking of you two. Take care and God bless.
Jim was a great all around human being. He would do anything for anyone. Gone way too soon. RIP. When I hear thunder I will know it’s Jim racing!!
Sending prayers to you’re family. Always liked Jim when he ran our Body Shop on Maine St. R.I.P
GOOD MAN
Sending our prayers to the entire family, We thought the world of this kind and wonderful man, He will be greatly missed,
OMGosh, we hate to hear this news!!! Jim was a great auto body man and helped us out alot. Our Condolences to his daughter, who he talked about all the time, and the rest of his family. We will truly miss him….