Geoffrey Lee Elijah, known to most as Jeff, passed away on January 18, 2023, at AccentCare Hospice in Naperville, IL, following a courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with lung cancer. He was 67 years old.
Born in Fargo, North Dakota on January 17, 1956, Jeff was recognized from a young age for his quick intellect, deep curiosity, humor, and quiet kindness. He was often described as a "ham" and loved to entertain people and make them smile. He loved music and some of his favorites were Van Morrison, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Joan Baez, Carrie Newcomer, Jimmy Buffett and others. He was an avid reader and writer, and he also grew up with a love for baseball and basketball.
After graduating from Moline High School in 1974, Jeff attended several universities before his passion for storytelling led him to Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. He graduated with a degree in Journalism in 1986 while living in Indianapolis with his wife.
Jeff married Myriam Villalta-Elijah on October 10, 1981, in Indianapolis. They had two daughters and raised them primarily in Wheaton, IL. Jeff enjoyed biking the forest preserves in the area and gathering with family around the kitchen island to enjoy appetizers and a rum and coke.
Jeff's professional career was defined by his dedication to the written word. He worked for the Indianapolis Star and served as an editor for the International Baseball Association's magazine. Driven by his love for baseball, he later moved to Chicago and launched his own publication— International Baseball Rundown, which reached an international audience for several years. Most recently, he dedicated 21 years to the College of DuPage as an editor in the marketing department.
A deep admirer of Walt Disney's vision and legacy, Jeff authored a book titled Wacky and Wondrous: Guests Onstage at Walt Disney World. Although the pandemic limited its initial release, the project remained a testament to his expertise. He also wrote an unpublished manuscript about a young baseball player. Beyond his own writing, he was a student of the classics, counting Kurt Vonnegut, Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, and Ernest Hemingway among his favorite authors.
Jeff was deeply passionate about his family, friends, and country. He was well-versed in politics and remained committed to sports, health, and fitness throughout his life. He cherished traveling with his family and creating memories in his favorite places.
He is survived by his wife, Myriam, and their two daughters, Michelle Elijah (Dan Van Duerm) of Berwyn, IL and Rachel MacKay (Ian MacKay) of Iowa City, IA, as well as his three grandsons, Alejandro (6), Santiago (4), and Simon (2). He is also survived by his siblings: Cathy Kerns (Rick Kerns), Steve Elijah, Mark Elijah (Kris Zetah), and Lori McCaffrey (Bob McCaffrey). He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Joleen Elijah.
Jeff was and will be a constant presence in our most cherished memories and will be deeply missed at every milestone to come. "Enjoy the little things in life because one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things." - Kurt Vonnegut
Born in Fargo, North Dakota on January 17, 1956, Jeff was recognized from a young age for his quick intellect, deep curiosity, humor, and quiet kindness. He was often described as a "ham" and loved to entertain people and make them smile. He loved music and some of his favorites were Van Morrison, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Joan Baez, Carrie Newcomer, Jimmy Buffett and others. He was an avid reader and writer, and he also grew up with a love for baseball and basketball.
After graduating from Moline High School in 1974, Jeff attended several universities before his passion for storytelling led him to Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis. He graduated with a degree in Journalism in 1986 while living in Indianapolis with his wife.
Jeff married Myriam Villalta-Elijah on October 10, 1981, in Indianapolis. They had two daughters and raised them primarily in Wheaton, IL. Jeff enjoyed biking the forest preserves in the area and gathering with family around the kitchen island to enjoy appetizers and a rum and coke.
Jeff's professional career was defined by his dedication to the written word. He worked for the Indianapolis Star and served as an editor for the International Baseball Association's magazine. Driven by his love for baseball, he later moved to Chicago and launched his own publication— International Baseball Rundown, which reached an international audience for several years. Most recently, he dedicated 21 years to the College of DuPage as an editor in the marketing department.
A deep admirer of Walt Disney's vision and legacy, Jeff authored a book titled Wacky and Wondrous: Guests Onstage at Walt Disney World. Although the pandemic limited its initial release, the project remained a testament to his expertise. He also wrote an unpublished manuscript about a young baseball player. Beyond his own writing, he was a student of the classics, counting Kurt Vonnegut, Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, and Ernest Hemingway among his favorite authors.
Jeff was deeply passionate about his family, friends, and country. He was well-versed in politics and remained committed to sports, health, and fitness throughout his life. He cherished traveling with his family and creating memories in his favorite places.
He is survived by his wife, Myriam, and their two daughters, Michelle Elijah (Dan Van Duerm) of Berwyn, IL and Rachel MacKay (Ian MacKay) of Iowa City, IA, as well as his three grandsons, Alejandro (6), Santiago (4), and Simon (2). He is also survived by his siblings: Cathy Kerns (Rick Kerns), Steve Elijah, Mark Elijah (Kris Zetah), and Lori McCaffrey (Bob McCaffrey). He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Joleen Elijah.
Jeff was and will be a constant presence in our most cherished memories and will be deeply missed at every milestone to come. "Enjoy the little things in life because one day you'll look back and realize they were the big things." - Kurt Vonnegut
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