James G. McElligott | Temple professor, 68

James G. McElligott, 68, of Rose Valley, professor of pharmacology at Temple University School of Medicine, died Tuesday of melanoma at his home.

Since 1971, Dr. McElligott had taught neuropharmacology to medical, dental, and graduate students at Temple, and researched the learning processes of the brain. He was the author of numerous articles published in professional journals.

A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Dr. McElligott earned a bachelor's degree from Fordham University; a master's degree in psychology from Columbia University; and a doctorate in neuropsychology from McGill University where he met his future wife, Sandra Fitzpatrick. From 1967 to 1971, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Dr. McElligott enjoyed sports including hang gliding, scuba diving, motorcycle riding, and parachute jumping. He competed in triathlons and skied in the West every winter. He also enjoyed playing chess, and designed and built fine furniture.

In addition to his wife of 39 years, he is survived by a son, Sean; a sister; and a grandson. He was predeceased by sons Seamus and Damien.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Minshall-Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown and Knowlton Roads, Media. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow at St. John Chrysostom Church, 605 S. Providence Rd., Wallingford. Burial will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Prospectville.