James S. Elam age 100 of Paris, IL passed away at 12:30 a.m., Friday April 10, 2020 at Twin Lakes Rehab. In keeping with the Federal Mandates; the service is limited to immediate family only. Rev. Debbie McClarey will be officiating and Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 211. James served in the United States Army in World War II.   He was born October 3, 1919 in Paris, IL.  James was the son of the late Charles and Etta Perter Elam.  He was the Owner, Operator or Elam's Fresh-Made Ice Cream Store in Paris, IL.  James was a member of the American Legion Post 211. He married Martha Etta Griffith Elam on August 2, 1941 in Paris, IL; she preceded him in death on March 26, 2015.  James is survived by his children; Mary Ann McClarey of Paris, IL, James S. (Jeanette) Elam of Las Vegas, NV, and Mike (Sharon) Elam of Las Vegas, NV; several grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several great -great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his wife Martha, granddaughter Pam Cassady; siblings, Donk, Jack, Grover, Hattie, Mary and Pearlie; and grandson Jimmy Ray McClarey, grandson-in- law Andy Shotts and a son-in-law Roscoe McClarey.

Jim was a cook in the army stationed in New Guinea. He prides himself in having served a meal to General MacArthur. He received the Bronze Star medal for his service. While he was in the Army, his wife, Martha, began working at Elliott's Ice Cream store. When he got out of the military he also went to work for Paul Elliott. He bought the store from Mr. Elliott and changed the name to Elam's Ice Cream store in 1954. He fed all the high school kids coney dogs and barbeque pork sandwiches and milk shakes at noon hour for many years. Jim enjoyed traveling and every January he would close the ice cream store for the month and travel. He went from New York to Florida to California. Jim closed his store in 1972 and began working for Paris Unified School District as custodian for Vance School. He became the Head Custodian after a few years. During his years with the school he also enjoyed being the ticket taker at all the football games. After retirement, he enjoyed watching his sports. He was a huge Chicago Cubs fan and always said he wanted to live long enough to see his Cubbies win the World Series. He finally got to see that happen in 2016. Jim was an icon in Paris and will always be remembered for his coney dogs,  milk shakes and personality.

Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

For more information and online condolences please go to www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com