James Blanel McElhaney, who resided in Paris, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, September 7, 2017, at his home. He was born October 27, 1922, in Calumet, Arkansas to the late Louie Lynn McElhaney and Clara Elizabeth (Mitchell) McElhaney. He was 94 years old. He was also preceded in death by four sisters and one brother.

James was a retired forklift driver for American Grinding & Steel Company in Chicago, Illinois. He was also a farm hand, worked in numerous factory's over the years, and he was a member of Paris Christian Center in Paris.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 11th, at Paris Christian Center in Paris, with Pastor Angelo Florenciano and Samuel McElhaney officiating the service. Burial will be at Baxley Cemetery in Paris, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris.

He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Minnie Bea (Hamlett) McElhaney; four daughters, Mary Baker and husband Larry of Scranton, Peggy McAnulty and husband Andy of Pottsville, Brenda McElhaney of Paris and Patty Bailey of Paris; one son, Samuel McElhaney and wife Cindy of Paris; twenty two grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be D.J. Krigbaum, Mikey Patterson, Joshua Sauls, Walter Dick, Jr., Johnny McConnell, and Dewayne Keenan.

Honorary pallbearers will be Samuel McElhaney, Jr., James Bailey, Kenny McElhaney, Michael Irby, and Ernie McFarland, and Stephanie Lynn McElhaney.

Family will visit with friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 10th, at the funeral home.

To view a video tribute, please visit http://videos.lifetributes.com/831564

To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.