James "Jim" Elliott passed away at the age of 78 after a courageous seven-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Born on March 15, 1947, in Philadelphia, Mr. Elliott was raised in Haverford, Pa., and remained close to his roots throughout his life. He was the eldest son of Catherine O'Malley Elliott and Jumbo Elliott, the renowned Villanova track coach.
Mr. Elliott attended St. Aloysius and Malvern Prep for his schooling and went on to Villanova University, where he ran track and captained the golf team. After graduation, he built a successful half-century career running Elliott & Frantz Inc., a heavy construction equipment dealership based in King of Prussia, Pa., founded by his father. A well-known figure in the industry, Mr. Elliott will be remembered for his old-school values and work ethic, his keen ability to inspire greatness in his colleagues and the pride he took in his family's business.
Mr. Elliott is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carolyn (Carr); his three children Michael (Diana Gragg), Matthew (Bonnie Tsui) and Catherine (Christopher) Travaglini; his five grandchildren Zachary, Katelyn, Felix, Theodore and Claire. He considered his family his greatest accomplishment.
A lifelong golfer and student of the game, Mr. Elliott was most at home on the driving range spending hours helping others improve their swing, whether they wanted his advice or not. He loved his work, his faithful dog, Buddy, giving putts, eating York peppermint patties, nicknaming his friends and coaching, especially at the Academy of Notre Dame (Villanova) where he served as the girls' golf coach. He was a passionate supporter of Villanova basketball, Philadelphia sports and his children's and grandchildren's sporting events.
Mr. Elliott's service was held March 29, 2025, at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on campus, 800 E Lancaster Ave., in Villanova, Pa. Interment private by the request of the family.
The family said they owe a debt of gratitude to Massachusetts General Hospital and his ALS team of medical professionals, all of whom became part of the Elliott family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Mr. Elliott's honor to the Healey & AMG Center at MGH for the Jim and Carolyn Elliott Fund for ALS Research. These can be made online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/healey-center/ or by check to the MGH Jim and Carolyn Elliott Fund for ALS Research and sent to: Emily Monteiro, Mass General Hospital, Development Office Suite 540, 125 Nashua Street, Boston, MA 02113-1101
