Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

February 19, 2026

CHARLOTTE - James “Jim” L. Elder, 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 19, 2026, at home, surrounded by love. His devoted wife, son, and daughter kissed him goodnight and remained by his side. He left this world the same way he lived in it — steady, dignified, and deeply loved.

Jim was a truly good and honorable man — beloved by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a selfless husband and father who always put his family first. Strong, steady, and unwavering, he was the backbone of our family. Never boastful, never loud — but constant, courageous, and kind. Even through the challenges of his final years, his strength and grace never left him.

We cry not only because we miss him, but because the world lost such a good man. We are forever grateful for the example he set and the lives he shaped through his strength of leadership, competitive driven purpose, force of will, always doing the right thing, integrity and his love for family and those that he touched.

Jim was born on October 21, 1934, in Kirk, Colorado. He was adopted by Pauline and Lester Elder. His mother often told the story of choosing the skinny, red-haired baby who was crying in the orphanage — saying he was the one who needed her most. That story became symbolic of Jim’s life: resilient from the very beginning.

After Lester passed away when Jim was nineteen, Jim was the pride and strength in his mother’s life. He cared for Pauline faithfully throughout her life — the kind of son every parent wants by their side. He was raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where his drive to win at everything, work ethic and determination began to take shape.

As a young boy, Jim ran his paper route — literally running it — because the family could not afford a bicycle. His mother would drop stacks of newspapers throughout the neighborhood, and Jim would run from house to house each morning before school. He had a rare grit and values that carried him through every stage of his life.

Jim earned a scholarship to the University of Wyoming as a competitive long-distance runner in the mile and two-mile events. He set collegiate records in the West and competed in national championships. He graduated with honors with a degree in Business Administration — beginning a lifetime commitment to excellence.

He launched his career at IBM, where he spent more than 30 years rising through the ranks from salesman into highly respected executive roles. He later served as CEO of Info Systems of North Carolina, guiding the company successfully until his retirement at age 59.

Jim’s leadership was defined by integrity, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. He was competitive, driven, and disciplined — but always fair and honest. His teams loved him because he cared about his people. He led with strength and conviction, never ego.

Though his professional achievements were significant, his greatest accomplishment was his family. Jim was the devoted husband of 65 years to his beloved wife, Kay, whom he adored. They met in Salt Lake City during his early years at IBM and built a life filled with laughter, loyalty, and love. Together they created a home where family always came first.

He was an extraordinary father to James L. Elder Jr. (Beth Carsner Elder) and Michelle Elder Romahn (Glenn Charles Romahn). As “Bubba,” he was a proud and engaged grandfather to Jake, Ellen, Adele, Annalise, and Cienna. He provided a rock-solid foundation of encouragement, accountability, and unconditional love that will guide our family for generations. He taught us the value of hard work, humility, kindness, and commitment — leading by example. He led his family with actions, not words and he was always there.

Jim’s accomplishments were many, though he rarely spoke of them unless asked. He was one of the top milers in the country during his collegiate career. He rose to senior executive leadership at IBM. He won a Masters National Championship with his tennis team in Hilton Head. As Chairman of the University of Wyoming Foundation Board, he led a comprehensive modernization effort, studying the nation’s leading foundations and restructuring operations. Under his leadership, the Foundation completed the largest and most successful capital campaign in the university’s history, increasing assets by more than $700 million. He also served on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head and on the Development and Zoning Commission in Hilton Head, where he courageously advocated for generational homesteaders over commercial developers — always guided by fairness and principle.

Jim’s life was defined not by titles, but by character. Integrity was his compass. Love was his foundation. Excellence was his standard.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at The Cypress on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 3-5pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the University of Wyoming Foundation. (https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/77188/donations/new). This direct giving link through the University of Wyoming Foundation supports online gifts in Jim’s memory.

The family invites those interested to make a donation in memory of Jim to the University of Wyoming (College of Business Dean’s Excellence Fund).

Checks can be made payable to the University of Wyoming Foundation. Please note “in memory of James L. Elder” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to the address below:

University of Wyoming Foundation

Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center

222 South 22^nd Street

Laramie, WY 82070

Jim’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he mentored, influenced, and strengthened — and most enduringly, in the family he cherished beyond measure. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a man who lived with integrity, courage, love, and the quiet strength to always do what was right.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.