James "Blue Jay" A. Elder, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on December 18, 2021. He was born on May 2, 1942, in Mingo Junction, Ohio to John and Panzy Elder.

James was a Christian by faith.  He was a hard worker and worked many years for the Weirton Steel Corp. He served his country proudly in the United States Army until he received his honorable discharge. James also worked many years for the Downtown Bakery and was known for the passion he put into his wedding cake masterpieces. Baking was truly culinary artistry for him.

He was a kind person and well known and loved in his community. He had many neighborhood children that called him dad or Godfather. It was not uncommon to see James walking to the corner store with his silk pajama set on or sitting and relaxing on his porch in his silk PJ's. This gained him the affectionate name of Hugh Hefner. Above all, he adored his children and was truly a remarkable father.

James was preceded in death by his daughter, Ethel "Tina" Morrow; grandchildren, Natasha Hawkins and Josh Elder; a great-grandson, Markis Hopkins; brothers, John Elder, William "Billy" Zimmerman Sr., Sampson Zimmerman, and Kenny Elder; sisters, Francis Johnson, and Blondel Otis, and his former wife and dear friend of many years, Myrle Elder.

He will forever be missed and fondly remembered by, his children, James, Jr., Johnny, Joseph, and Jeffrey Elder, Renee Bennit, Virginia (Terron) Elder-Owens, and Ayana (Dante) Jeter; one sister, Gloria Howard; and one brother, Terrance Elder Sr., a host of grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and many other relatives.