Dr. James "Jim" Liddell Elmore, Jr.

Dr. James Liddell Elmore, affectionately known as "Dr. Jim," was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on December 16, 1933. He passed away peacefully of natural causes on January 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving daughters, Kirsten, Tonya and Leslie.

Prior to pursuing his academic and medical career, Dr. Jim proudly served in the Korean War as part of the Artillery Division of the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1962 after six years of dedicated service and received the National Defense Services Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army of Occupation Medal. Dr. Jim went on to attend the University of Tennessee and earned his medical degree from the Tennessee Medical Units in Memphis in 1961. Following that, he advanced his training with a psychiatric residency and fellowship at the prestigious Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, which he completed in 1967. For the next 25 years, Dr. Jim made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry, becoming a frequently published author in respected journals such as the American Psychiatric Association Journal and the American Medical Association Journal. He dedicated much of his career to the Carrier Foundation in Princeton, New Jersey, where he was not only a skilled physician but also a trusted and highly respected member of the medical community. In 1993, Dr. Jim relocated to a new role with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, where he continued his life’s work, making a lasting impact on countless individuals with his deep compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the field of mental health.

Dr. Jim was the epitome of a Southern gentleman, but his kindness and generosity of spirit went far beyond simple manners—he was a true "gentle" man. His warm smile, infectious laugh, and distinct Southern lilt were hallmarks of his character, drawing people in with his easy charm and compassionate presence. Outside of his professional life, he cherished time spent with family and friends. He was an avid triathlete who found peace and joy on long bike rides, runs and swims. Dr. Jim was also known for his profound love of animals, particularly his two loyal dogs, Tinkerbell and Brandy. Brandy, especially was a beloved companion who became a local celebrity as the unofficial mascot of the gas station in The Princeton Shopping Center. Every day, after finishing work, Dr. Jim would stop by to pick up Brandy, a ritual that reflected the deep bond they shared.

Dr. Jim was a devoted husband to Charlene Elmore, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. Though Charlene predeceased him, the deep love and devotion they shared remained a guiding force throughout his life.

Dr. Jim is survived by his daughters, Kirsten Meister, Tonya Davis and Leslie Elmore, as well as his grandchildren, Gretchen and Lindsay Meister, Carson, Teagan, and Adleigh Faulkenburg, Brooke Davis, Wiley Cole and son-in-law Shannon Davis. His legacy of love, generosity, and joy will live on in each of them.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving the Elmore family. Condolences may be offered to the family under his obituary at www.westfamilyfuneralservices.com.