William V. Ely

Age 85 of Jackson, passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2011 in the loving arms of his family after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. On January 9, 1946, he married his beloved wife Virginia Bliss in Jackson and she survives. He is also survived by three children, Sharon (Doug Gluckin) Morgan of Mason, Susan (Scott) Brooks of Jackson, and David Ely of Jackson; grandchildren, Karie Morgan of Johannesburg, South Africa, Jason (Jenahvive) Morgan of Ann Arbor, Ryan Brooks of Boston MA, Aaron Brooks of Kalamazoo, and Kelsey Brooks of Kalamazoo; sister, Margie (Ken) McClurg; a niece and two nephews. Bill served in the Navy in the South Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he graduated from Jackson Community College and then graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Albion College. Bill also graduated with a Masters Degree from Michigan State University and went on to complete further post graduate education at Michigan State University, Western Michigan University, and the University of Louisville within the curriculum of Teacher Education and School Guidance Counseling. He taught at East Jackson and Napoleon High Schools, he became the Guidance Director at Napoleon. At Jackson Community College, he was a Vocational Counselor and the Dean of the Evening College. Many students from around the county benefitted from his relentless passion and dedication to teaching as well as his career guidance. He was one of the original organizers of the Jackson Area Personnel and Guidance Association. Bill was always approached by previous students who shared with him their appreciation for his invaluable guidance; which allowed them to graduate from high school and achieve their goals. A service honoring his life is scheduled at the First Church of the Nazarene, 3905 Clinton Rd. Jackson, MI. 49201 on Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Dalton and Becky McNulty officiating. Family will receive friends for visitation at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at the Church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. He will be laid to rest in Roseland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make contributions to the American Cancer Society or to the Cascades Humane Society in his honor.

Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home

406 First Street

Jackson, MI 49201

(517) 782-0591