James Mckellop, Jr.

James LeRoy McKellop, Jr., age 66, of Erie, passed away quietly at home surrounded by his loving family and friends on Monday, February 26, 2018. He was born in Erie, PA on February 10, 1952, a son of the late James and Margaret “Peg” Driscoll McKellop Sr. He was a 1970 graduate of Tech Memorial High School and worked for many years as a truck driver with Gartner and Harf, Frank Barbich, and  Liberty Iron and Metal. He also worked for U.S. Security. He was very involved in his church and served as a Eucharistic Minister and Religious Education teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. James also served with the Belle Valley Fire Department as Deputy Chief. He was a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus,  Detachment Commander for the Sons of the American Legion and President of American Legion Color Guard, Millcreek Post 773.

 In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death his brother, Charles McKellop, Sr.; grandson, Douglas Cody Morgan, and his in-laws, Theodore and Charlotte (Aloiz) Marther. (Charlotte was especially important to Jim because they were birthday buddies).

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Christina (Marther) McKellop; five children and 13 grandchildren; Jamie and Jeremy Foster (Cameron Morgan, Kristin and Corinna), Sean and Amy McKellop (Jacob, Madyson, Anna, and Jack), Stacey and Harley Swagerty (Ma’am the grandog), Patrick and Darlene McKellop, Sr. (Charlotte, Aubrey, Delaney, Patrick Jr. and Layla) and Stephanie McKellop and Charles Davis (Giada). He is also survived by his sister, Margaret E. McKellop of Erie, several cousins including Jeff McKellop, and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and treasured friends, like Shirley Fleming and family of Natrona Heights, PA, John Skladanowski and Jeffery and Anna Newton all of Erie.  Jim had many “adopted” children and grandchildren, godchildren and friends too numerous to count.

Friends may call at the Burton West Lake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave)., on Friday from 2 p.m. to 4p.m. and 6p.m. to 8p.m. and are invited to a service there on Saturday at 1 p.m. 

James request was for everyone to wear bright colors (as he doesn’t want all dark clothes), and celebrate his life!  The family wants to send a special thank you to Dr. Jillian Halmi, Kim Tauber, VNA Hospice, Kate, Patty, Toni and Paula who were a tremendous help during our toughest struggle.

 Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

 Memorials may be made to Children’s Miracle Network, c/o St. Vincent’s Hospital, 232 West 25^th Street, Erie, PA 16544, Shriner’s Hospital, 1645 West 8^th Street, Erie, PA 16505, Regional Cancer Center, 2500 West 12^th Street, Erie, PA 16505 or NCSA, PO Box 9034, Erie, PA 16505.