Dr. John McElligott, fondly known as “Dr. John,” a physician, veteran, educator, entrepreneur, and one of the trucking industry’s most devoted health advocates, passed away on Feb. 15 at the age of 80, leaving behind a life defined by resilience, faith, and unwavering service to others.
Born on Sept. 17, 1945, in Big Spring and raised in Terminal, Texas, Dr. McElligott overcame early academic struggles to graduate from Midland High School in Midland, Texas, in 1963.
Dr. McElligott was a gifted athlete who was an All-American high school swimmer and team captain at Midland High School. His love for swimming remained a steady source of strength and joy throughout his life.
In 1964, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as a hospital corpsman (E-5) attached to the U.S. Marine Corps Fleet Marine Force during the Vietnam War. Providing trauma care to Marines profoundly shaped his calling to medicine and service.
Following his time in the Navy, he pursued higher education with renewed purpose. He earned a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Duke University, completed a master’s degree in public health at the University of Tennessee, and received his doctor of medicine degree in 1986.
He completed his internal-medicine residency at Griffin Hospital, an affiliate of the Yale University School of Medicine, finishing at the top of his class at age 40. He became board-certified in internal medicine and was elected a fellow of the American College of Physicians.
Dr. McElligott deeply appreciated the importance of the physician assistant profession, a role he held for 16 years prior to medical school. He tirelessly brought attention to and promoted the profession, served as the second national president of the Student Academy of AAPA, and educated and mentored physician assistants throughout his career.
The Stead Center, located at the Duke School of Medicine, is home to the John McElligott Veterans Memorial Garden. It is the only memorial garden in the United States that honors physician assistants who have served or are currently serving in the uniformed services.
For more than 30 years, Dr. McElligott dedicated his medical career to occupational health, founding Occupational Health Systems Inc. in Knoxville and Clinton. He believed America’s truck drivers were essential to the nation yet often underserved in health care, so he devoted his life to improving their wellness and financial stability.
In 2007, he co-founded the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, serving as medical director and adviser. The organization has provided nearly $5 million in assistance to more than 5,000 drivers facing medical crises. Through clinics, advocacy, writing, and national radio programs on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Radio Channel 146, he became a trusted voice for driver health and wellness.
Dr. McElligott also served in numerous academic and leadership roles and on national medical committees, and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. His honors included the East Tennessee Healthcare Hero Lifetime Achievement Award and many other academic and military recognitions reflecting a lifetime of excellence and dedication.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. McElligott was truly unforgettable. His distinctive voice, the big, dimpled smile, and his charming personality left lasting impressions wherever he went. He was larger than life and was well known and respected for his direct, unfiltered, no-nonsense approach to medicine.
He was famous for his iconic sayings, often delivered with conviction and humorous enough to make them memorable.
Dr. McElligott was a man of deep faith and was a longtime active member of All Saints Parish in Knoxville. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and participated in medical missions to Guatemala.
In 2020, he established The Water in Midland Career Fund through the Odessa College Foundation, supporting vocational and technical students, especially veterans, and ensuring opportunities for future generations.
Dr. McElligott was preceded in death by his parents, Tom McElligott and Vivian McElligott, and his brother, Bruce McElligott.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Lisa McElligott; six children: Kim (Sandy) McElligott, Jay McElligott, Jamey (Kayme) McElligott, Jake McElligott, Dr. Kelly J. McElligott, and Katy McGowan; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his brother, Thomas McElligott; a host of extended family; and his loyal dogs, Harley and Rascal.
The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Tom Webb for his compassionate care and faithful friendship.
A memorial Mass for Dr. McElligott was held on March 14 at All Saints Church. Donations in Dr. McElligott’s memory may be made to St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund (www.truckersfund.org) or the Water in Midland Career Fund (whatsinthewaterinmidlandtexas.com).
Dr. McElligott’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the family he cherished.