Obituary of James Elling

James R. Elling "Devoted Family Man" Allegany-- James R. Elling, 73, of 4028 S. Nine Mile Road, passed away Thursday (January 29, 2009) shortly after arrival at the Olean General Hospital. Born December 12, 1935 in Olean, NY he was the son of Rudolf W. and Florence Schryver Elling. On February 9, 1957 at St. Bonaventure Church in Allegany he married Marion E. Klice who survives. Mr. Elling was a 1953 graduate of Allegany High School and graduated from Bryant and Stratton Business School in Buffalo. Prior to his retirement, he had been employed at Dresser Rand for 41 years, the past 23 years of which he worked as the traffic manager. He was a member of the Cuba First Baptist Church and was also a member of the Adirondom Lodge 883, Jamestown Consistory. He was active with the National Management Association and the Enchanted Mountain Transportation Club. Mr. Elling was a 12 year member of the Allegany School Board where he served six years as its president. He was active politically for many years. He served a two year term as a Cattaraugus County Legislator and served for 5 years as an Allegany Town Councilman. He was a former chairman for the Allegany Zoning Board and was currently serving on the Allegany Planning Board. He was a member of the Eagle Rod and Gun Club, the National Heart Association, the Allegany Sixty Plus Club and the Allegany Historical Association. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the Regina A. Quick Arts Center and was a past volunteer at the Allegany Rest Area. He loved traveling and family activities with his grandchildren and was a fan of NASCAR, John Wayne movies and classical music. Surviving besides his wife are 4 children Debbie (John) Freeman of Cuba, David (Kim) Elling of Allegany, Jeanne (Leonard) Campanella of Greenwood and Tina Elling-Smith of Allegany; 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 1 brother Richard Elling of San Diego, CA and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 2 brothers Rudolph Elling and Harold Elling. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Saturday from 2-4 & 7-9pm and on Sunday from 1-4pm only. Funeral services will be held Monday (February 2, 2009) at 11:00am in the funeral home. Rev. Larry Poelma, pastor of the Cuba First Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Cuba First Baptist Church 17 South St. Cuba, NY 14727, the Allegany Fire Department or to a charity of the donor's choice.