McElligott, John (RIP)

Summer Jobs

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Written by John McElligott

My first summer job…. and my worst!

My summer work began when my mother became the Postmaster of Terminal Texas. My mother’s assistants were the Terminal Police Chief’s wife and Rosemary Roberson, who’s son, Don (MHS 64), became a decorated Army hero in Vietnam. So, my first job was putting up the American flag at the post office every morning.

I was assisted by both of my brothers, Bruce and Tom. Later, I became the “rock rake man”, since the new road came from Highway 80 direct to the Airport. No grass, just red dirt and rocks. I hated raking rocks with a passion, but got 25 cents a week. In 1958, I knew I wanted to expand my horizons, since rocks and dirt were not my idea of fun.

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Senior Year Sept 1962- May 1963

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Written by John McElligott

The last year was fun, fast and full of excitement, but nothing compared to the summer with George McBride, Mike Murphy, Arvol Brown, and a host of younger classmates from a younger generation. I spent that summer running around in a Speedo.

Thank God, I took summer school English under Mr. Cummings from LHS and not from Francis Carter, MA Rice University. I told my brother, Bruce., not to miss summer school but he was in love and did not have time.

Well I did graduate on time! Bruce waited until August of 1963 since he and others did not make the cut due to that class. Plus, my summer school experience was made easier since I gave Mr. Cummings kids a ride home from Hogan Pool several times a week. Good life guard!! Wearing a Speedo all the time had its advantages, and unfortunately, underwear will never be the same. 

My best and most fun class was Biology with Mr. Hoyle and my lab partner was Gracie McIntyre. We smoked the class since we both loved the class and smiled all the time. 

Swimming became my passion and Gere Gaige, Don Goodson and I became captains of the team.

In addition Gere Gaige, James Dunn, John Braun and I won the University of Texas Swim Meet Medley Relay in the fall of 1962. Competing from the 7th lane (last to qualify) we kicked ass and took names. No one wins the relay championship in the last lane since you swallow more water and usually default. But the Rocket Man (Gere Gaige) blasted off and James kept us even until Starman (me) blasted off followed by the Junior on the Team, John Braun, who never looked back and we won hands down.

Years later when I came home from the military, Harry Miller said we made HS All Americans. Something I loved to hear even to this day.  

The rest of the year was hanging out with Todd Southern, Bill Buskirk (AKA Buzzard), and Bill Cumbie. Mike Murphy and Arvol took up their normal school projects… Acting, singing and, in Arvol’s case, lecturing women on his still famous romance stories. Todd and Buzzard became swim team partners and travel comrades to Juarez and Balmarhae. Now, Bill Cumbie reunited me with Billy Pitman who’s family lived behind Bruce and me in Terminal. We had a evening program where Billy bought the beer and Bill and I (underage) drank most of it on old back roads between Midland and Terminal. Interestingly, when I came back from the military and a student at NTSU (after leaving Baylor), I worked for Billy and WG was a salesman.
Now going back to my senior year… swimming was my life and MHS won district and Doug Russell began his quest to the Olympics. I hope Gere Gaige can add to this wonderful last swimming season. 

I made my way to Odessa College where I met up with Paco aka Nugent Brasher and this is when I found out I was smarter than I thought.

Now September 6, 1963 was when I became a father, and this was a difficult but delightful change in my demeanor and dedication. I knew I would not be a great partner, but I was determined to become the best father and friend to my son and he was the little brother I never had.

(*See in later years “The Best Deal I Ever Made”). 

Again, Nugent was my mentor and soon I knew my son and his mother needed benefits. So that spring of 1964 when Nugent left Odessa College, I joined the Navy and we never saw each other again. However, what Nugent taught me made me want to excel no matter what I was attempting the rest of my life.

More to come. Hopefully Paco will add to the story.

The Giant Red Christmas Bulb (Terminal Texas Christmas)

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Written by John McElligott

Growing up we lived in Terminal Texas. From the time I was one until I was eleven years old, we lived in Terminal in the old Army barracks. Terminal (right off Highway 80 and in the middle of the Scarborough Ranch) was a fun, but challenging place, since we were 10 miles from Midland and 12 from Odessa, Texas.

Christmas was one of the best parts of being a McElligott. We would get a big tree every year to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. A few days before Christmas Eve, we would decorate the tree. It was always after dark so the lights could be lit and remain on until after New Year’s Day.

Decorating the tree was a family event, and we had all our miniature trains set up as well. My brother, Tom, still has the big gauge tract and large old engine and cars that were my father’s when he was a kid.

The tree was fully decorated with bulbs, icicles, candy canes, and angels with one giant angel on the top point of the tree. But mostly, we treasured the giant red bulb and who would get to hang it. Being the shortest kid was a bummer but nonetheless my mom would pick one of us to hang this beautiful red bulb. This tradition was the most memorable. I have always remembered that moment and I still cry!!

Notre Dame University(NDU) and Why everyone thinks I went to college there… but only in my dreams!

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Written by John McElligott

My Notre Dame University (NDU) story goes back to the 4th grade at St. Ann’s and includes my best friend, Joe O’Neil. Joe and I became good friends and altar boys at the church starting in the 3rd grade with Latin classes. We later found out what wine tasted like when we began serving mass. Anyway, I loved serving mass. Later, I loved staying at Joe’s house and being looked after by Momma Tish and Oscar. Momma made the meals and Oscar took us anywhere we were allowed to go…mostly the Country Club.

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The Boys at Candelaria Ranch

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By John McElligott

Left to Right:

OB Jackson, Todd Southern, Johnny Jones, Mike Proctor, Joe Hurley, Bill Bearden, Rev Buck Necked (WG)

 This photograph was taken by me at one of the most memorable reunions at the Candelaria ranch. We were there to fish, but unfortunately, Harry Miller locked the gate and forgot to leave the key for Joe Hurley for the next morning.  Needless to say,  Bill Bearden and  WG were very upset to say the least. However, they did manage to get some fishing in while Todd  Southern and I were doing cannonballs off the rocks on the far side of the lake. This was the last gathering that Todd attended, but we will keep trying  to get him back in the fold again.

Billy Wayne Godwin (RIP)

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By John McElligott

It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Bill Godwin (AKA Billy Wayne Godwin or W.G.). Billy Wayne passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, January 11, 2023 after a brief illness. Billy Wayne was one of my best friends and we shared many adventures throughout the years. I first met him at Alamo Junior High and we became fast friends. I am thankful to have spent some time with him recently at the 1963 Class Reunion held Oct 7th in Midland, Texas. Any time spent with WG was guaranteed to involve a good story and plenty of laughter. There was no one else like him and he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

While this story has been shared before, it is worth reading again.

The Police Siren:

In high school ( MHS ) Billy Wayne Godwin, Gene Clark and John McElligott acquired a police siren  ( where we got it will remain with John and WG ). We had to put it up against the back tire for it to work .  Gene had a four door Oldsmobile.  Gene would drive, John would lay down in the back seat holding the siren on the tire while WG held on to his feet to keep him in the car .  We drove in front of MHS and all over Midland, cars pulling over,  everyone in town looking .  It was much more effective at night . That lasted about a week or so. At that point it seems the owner of the siren wanted it back . End of a wonderful week or so.  I wish I had it when I go to Dallas.

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Bill Wood (RIP) MHS 1964

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Written by John McElligott (MHS 1963)

Sadly, Bill Wood passed away Thursday, May 13, 20121. May he rest in peace.

Never have I been so attached to someone whom I grew up with, but had not seen since 1976 in Colorado City Texas. Bill was by then, living in Denton, Texas and we have not seen each other in over 50 yrs.  Bill’s wife was from Colorado City and I was working there as a PA for Root Memorial Hospital. I had up and left my 1st job at the University of Texas Medical Center Faculty. Bill had not changed a lick and was full of energy and as ambitious as always.

The call was made in 2019 to Bill’s office in Denton that my end-of-life dream project would like to include him as a founder of “What’s in The Water in Midland Texas”. Bill did not hesitate to join the group of MHS grads from 1955-to 1965 to tell our stories.

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Bruce McElligott (RIP) MHS 1963

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Written by John and Tom McElligott

James Bruce McElligott (MHS 1963) passed away in El Paso, Texas early this week (08/25/2021). Bruce is the son of Thomas E. McElligott and Vivian L McElligott and was born in El Paso,Texas. Bruce requested no services be done on his behalf. However, soon a Mass will be dedicated to him at All Saints Parish in Knoxville,TN.

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My Happiest Summer

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Written by John McElligott

I met Melinda at the A&W Root Beer out by the Fiesta Drive Inn Theater in the Summer of 1961. I was 15 years old and Melinda was 3yrs older than me. Melinda had just finished her freshman year at Texas Tech, and I was working as a life guard & manager at Half Park. I saw her driving around a wheelchair bound senior from MHS, who I saw every day at school but did not know her name. I said, “Hello”. I knew Melinda from Austin Junior High when I was in the 7th grade and Melinda was a Cheerleader in the 9th, and I was a big fan!

I never met Melinda face to face or talked to her before that night. I was out with Mike Murphy and other lifeguards from the pools in Midland. We were eating our burgers and drinking something, but not root beer. I spent the rest of the evening talking to Melinda and her companion. I was smitten with her at once, and spent the rest of the summer every day and evening as much as I could possibly arrange.

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