'Santa Jack' Passes at 81

A generation of children who visited WestShore Plaza’s holiday attractions are mourning the loss of John “Jack” McElhinney.

The Lutz man is best known to many Bay area kids as simply “Santa.” McElhinney filled in for the jolly old elf for 23 years at the Tampa shopping center.

McElhinney passed away June 4 in Lutz, his obituary on Legacy.com states. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, and their combined three children, William McElhinney, Kimberly Lovins and Annette Baer. McElhinney also is survived by 18 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 29 nieces and nephews, along with siblings Mary Jane Sanadi and James Russell EcElhinney.

The Iowa native retired to the Lutz area via Chicago. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, hunting, camping and fishing. He also was passionate about being WestShore Plaza’s official Santa.

“We are deeply saddened at the passing of Jack McElhinney,” said Kristy Genna, WestShore Plaza’s marketing director. “WestShore Plaza and their shoppers knew him, and will remember him, as Santa Claus. Santa Jack will forever be a part of so many families’ lives and memories, including my own.”

A service for McElhinney is planned for 1 p.m. June 26 at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, according to The Tampa Tribune.

Photo of John “Santa Jack” McElhinney courtesy of WestShore Plaza