Jerry Lee Elya, aged 62 passed away at St Marys Hospital on June 30 after a short illness. He was the eighth and youngest son of Robert and Louanna (Hodge) Elya. He graduated from Grandville High School in 1978 and went on to Michigan Technological University in Houghton, graduating in 1982. Jerry was involved in many groups; among them: DeMolay, Wandering Wheels Christian Bicycling Group, Science Olympiad, Boy Scouts, and the Grand Rapids Writers Exchange. He wrote several stories. The summer of 1980 he bicycled from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Wandering Wheels group. When he reached Arkansas, Jerry and about 50 other riders were struck with food poisoning , and were stuck there for a few days. They never gave up and completed the ride to the astonishment of the physicians. He loved Science Olympiad, working with many of the children. As a member of Grandville Scout Troop # 281 he enjoyed working with the boys on many badges. Jerry was a member of Neil Fonger Legion Post 179. He was an avid train buff and had several model train sets. Later Jerry graduated from Indiana University. He taught at an Indian Reservation in Arizona for one year and two years at an elementary school in Washington DC. It was difficult work, but he enjoyed it. Jerry received multiple awards in nearly every organization he belonged to. He had an exhibit in the Grand Rapids Art Prize called, Mechanical Mayhem. Looking through his papers, not only did I discover his many awards but hundreds of thank you notes from kids and parents. He was greatly loved and appreciated. He loved being a part of their lives, helping them through their schooling and life's tough situations. He had enjoyed astronomy and went to several astronomy gatherings in Florida with his mother. In his last years, Jerry was plagued with multiple health problems. Kidney failure was the worst for him. The dialysis tied him to home, no more long trips. In spite of all his health problems, Jerry continued doing what he could. He will be missed by all who knew him. A memorial will be announced at a later date.