John Elwood Ely

John Elwood Ely 64, died in his sleep on November 16, 2016. He was born in Richmond, Va., on June 16, 1952, to John Barbour Ely and Lillian Marie Gordon Ely Oines. As a high school student, he earned his Eagle Scout honor and went to Philmont Scout Camp, New Mexico. He graduated from Huguenot High School, Class of 1970, and from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Middle Eastern Relations in 1974 before receiving his Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond in 1977. He followed these with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1984.

John was known universally as a kind, conscientious, and humble man, devoted to his family, friends and work. He dedicated his life personally and professionally to public service in the form of the protection of nature, working for 28 years at the Department of Environmental Quality. He was recognized repeatedly for his meticulous work and the guidance that he provided in the establishment of enforcement regulations for environmental protection, wherein he was right about coal ash. An exceptionally talented lifelong guitarist, he was a member of the River City Ukulele Society, RAGE (Richmond Area Geriatric Ensemble), the Harold Jam at Virginia Home, and the Jahnke and Rockwood music groups.

He brought his children through Indian Guides and Indian Princesses, taking both of them and a guitar on camping trips. While his son attended the Math/Science High School at Clover Hill High School, he was on the parent support and advocacy group named "Exponents" that helped guide the transition of the Math/Science High School to the new Clover Hill High School.

He was predeceased by his father, John Barbour Ely; his mother, Lillian Marie Gordon Ely Oines; and his stepfather, Edvard Palmer Oines. He is survived by his wife, Hilary Stoddard Ely; his two children, David Gordon Ely and Jacqueline Marie Ely; and his sister, Patricia Kay Ely. He will be greatly missed.

Visiting hours will be Monday, November 21, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Woody Funeral Home, Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Rd, Midlothian, Va. 23113. A memorial service will be held at the same location on Tuesday, November 22, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Nature Conservancy, nature.org.