George Godfrey Greaves

The Life Reflections of
George Godfrey Greaves
"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything"~Plato
George Godfrey Greaves was born to William and Joycelyn (Small) Greaves on December 29, 1970. Raised in a Catholic home, George was baptized at St. Nicholas Catholic Church of Evanston, IL, and attended St. Nicholas School from preschool through eighth grade. George went on to graduate from Evanston Township High School, Class of 1988. He was deeply rooted in the Evanston/St. Nick's community in which he was raised.
Beginning in 2011, George began a career with the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM). Through many years of dedicated hard work, he rose through the ranks. George's deep commitment to his profession led to a true impact on the culture of the company. In remembrance of George, his SAEM friends and family stated, "In a world full of distractions, George's genuine attention and generous heart were a rare gift that he carried effortlessly. It was simply who he was". A man who wore his heart on his sleeve, George made everyone feel like family. His fun-loving spirit and contagious laughter was felt by everyone around him.
George loved exploring new cities, savoring delicious food, and having genuine interactions. Most of all, George's positive light was felt through music. Known as "DJ Doom" he was a master on the turntables. There was no genre that Doom could not mix. A brilliant musician whose talent transcended many eras, his soundwaves brought fresh energy to any event. If Doom was spinning, spectators were guaranteed to gather in joy as it was impossible not to move to the beat of his groove.
Of all his successes and accomplishments those of which George was the most proud are: his devotion as a son, father, brother, family member, and friend. He had a way of making everyone in his life feel valued by creating a special space that only they shared.
George's legacy is one of musical brilliance, vibrancy, love, loyalty, authenticity, and genuine friendship. We will all celebrate, cherish, and miss him forever.
On January 26, 2025, George unexpectedly passed in a tragic car accident; he was preceded in death by his mother Joycelyn Greaves and sister Sandra Greaves Geter. Leaving behind to mourn are: His father, William Greaves; Sisters, Caroline Barrow, Kathy Minor, Todne Jackman, Joann Greaves and Susann Greaves; Brother, William Greaves, Jr.; Daughter, Sydney Dolan-Greaves; Sons, Nathaniel and Leo Bell; Bonus children, Alexa, Josie, Emmett, Anthony, and Genevieve Bell; Aunts, Patricia Greaves, Myrtle Small, and Barbara Small; Uncles, Anthony (Rochelle) Greaves, Steve McKinley, Eyre Sealy, Terry Sealy, Colin Small, Trenton Small, and Ackroid Small; as well as a vast host of other family, friends, and loved ones.
"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8)
Order of Service
TO COME
Pallbearers: Rasheed Muwallif, William Greaves, Jr., Michael Johnson, Greg Dehnert, Jeff Gordy, Shamir Cullens
Honorary Pallbearers: Darnell Jefferson,
Acknowledgement: During this time of sorrow we learn how much our friends really mean to us. Thank you so much for your kindness, sympathy, and support during this difficult time.
Tributes
George was an amazing stepfather who accepted his stepchildren as his own. Just like a dad would, he created fun memories for us such as BBQ-ing on the weekends, making personalized birthday mix tapes, and buying Dunkin Donuts every Saturday. Those are just a few of the many things that George did to put a smile on our faces. We will never forget him and how he carried us through our childhood with his goofiness, kindness, charisma, and dependability. Thank you George for the good years you gave our family-we will never forget the impact you had on our lives.
Love, Josie, Emmett, Anthony and Genevieve
Hindsight is 20/20, and I know you'd agree-we didn't have enough time together. But if I could tell you one thing, it's that there's no resentment, only gratitude for the moments we did share. I remember you blasting music way too loud in the car just to embarrass me, the steak dinners you made sure we had because we both loved them, and, most of all, the warmth you carried with you. No matter how much time had passed, you had this effortless way of making everything feel lighter-with a joke, a silly face, or just your easygoing presence. You were charming, full of life, and brought joy to so many around you. I hope you're at peace, and I hope you know you are so very loved.
Your Daughter, Sydney
George Greaves was a dedicated and beloved member of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) team since 2011, serving as a Senior Manager of Membership. For over a decade, he worked tirelessly to support and grow SAEM's emergency medicine community, always putting others first and ensuring that every member felt valued. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his work left a lasting impact on colleagues and emergency medicine professionals alike. Known for his infectious smile, big laugh and generous spirit, George was the heart of the SAEM office-greeting everyone with genuine care and making even the busiest days brighter. At SAEM's annual meetings, he thrived, relishing the opportunity to explore new cities, enjoy great meals, and connect with both staff and members. More than a colleague, he was a true friend to so many. George's contributions to SAEM and the emergency medicine community will never be forgotten. He touched countless lives and will never be forgotten.
Your SAEM Family
Brother Your wings were ready but our hearts were not. A limb from our family tree has fallen. We will continue to dance to your mixes, laugh at your jokes, and drift into fond memories of the light you brought into our lives. Until we meet again
Your Lil Sis JoJo
Uncle George was one of those people who could light up any room just by being in it. He had this way of making us laugh, of making everything feel lighter, even when lfe was heavy. When we were kids, he always found a way to make things special and it was little things like that that showed just how much he cared. He was a good person with a good heart, and that is how we will always remember him. His kindness, his laughter, and his love will never be forgotten.
Your Nieces and Nephews, Amani, Shamir, Amiya, & Amari
Words cannot explain the pain I feel losing you too soon and so unexpectedly those who know us, know we had a special bond. While most Big Brothers did not want to be bothered with their baby sister, you always let me hang out with you and your friends. I would just lay on your bedroom floor, thumb in my mouth and my blanky in my hand, listening to your musical brilliance on the 1's and 2's. I was and will always be so proud to say that DJ Doom was my Big Bro Bro. Whenever I called, you answered, and every weekend you checked in with me to ask what home improvement projects I wanted to tackle. No task was too big as we tackled them all together. Now that you are gone, you have left me with a list of tasks to complete, and rest easy Big Bro Bro, because you know I got this.
Your Lil Sis, Susann
Don't Grieve For Me
Don't grieve for me for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God laid for me
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back and left it all
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I've found that peace at the close of day
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life's been full, I've savored much,
Good friends, good times, my loved one's touch
If my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.