Jim Elston passed away peacefully in Reno on August 10, 2016 due to complications of a fall in June. For those who worked with and for Jim he was said to be a wonderful man, always very nice. He had relationships in the community till the very end.
Our grandfather, father, uncle and husband was generous to a fault. He always wanted to take care of us and make sure we had whatever we needed and more. He would do anything to make us happy. Grandpa would pay for a car wash if he saw our car was dirty, slip us a $20.00 for a tank of gas, or a special manicure when he knew we were going for a job interview. He always gave us that extra special care that made us feel very important. He had a wonderful sense of humor that we appreciated in his later years. As a son, I greatly appreciated his counsel. He was my go to person whenever making a life decision. He gave sound advice. I always knew he was on my side and supported me unconditionally.
Jim was born on Valentine’s Day in 1930 in Mesa, Colorado. His family moved to Carson City in the 40’s. where he graduated from Carson High School. He attended the University of Nevada before enlisting in the Navy. After his return, he started his 43-year career with First National Bank in 1949. He was a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School and Northwestern University School of Banking. Jim was respected by many people in the banking industry. His employers, employees and clients loved working with him. He excelled in his banking career retiring in 1993. Jim wanted his clients to succeed and achieve their dreams and he would do anything he could to make that happen.
Jim was very civically minded. He served on the board of the Shrine Hospital in Sacramento, was President of Reno Kiwanis Club, President of the University of Nevada Boosters Club, Chairman of the United Way of Northern Nevada, served as President of the Nevada Humane Society, and was a member of the boards of Nevada State Fair, Washoe County Parks and Recreation, TMCC Foundation, the Reno Chamber of Commerce, Hidden Valley Country Club, Royal Order of Jesters, Kerak Shrine, Masonic Lodge 13, the Rotary Club of Reno and Junior Achievement of Northern Nevada.
Until recently, Jim loved to fish and play golf and in his early days loved to hunt chukar. He spent many summers in Graeagle, California enjoying friends new and old.
Jim is preceded in death by his father Col. Roy Elston, mother Hattie Elston, and step mother Hazel Elston. His siblings Norm Elston and sister in law Connie Elston, Robert Elston and his beloved sister Thelma Hesse also predeceased him.
He is survived by his devoted wife JoAnn, son Mark, daughter in law Beverly, daughter Lori Elston, grandchildren Jennifer Elmore and husband Darin, Rebecca Josten and husband Kelley, James Elston and wife Sommer and Michael Elston. He is also survived by his wonderful great-grandchildren Mary Josten, Parker Jay Elston and Nancy Josten.
A celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, August 24th at 3:00 pm at St. John’s Presbyterian Church on Plumb Ln., with a reception to follow at Pinocchio’s, 5995 S. South Virginia St.
The family would like to thank the care givers at Renown Hospital, Renown Rehabilitation Hospital, Regent Care, and Life Care Center of Reno.