John Hilary Elam

1933 - 2021

ELAM, John Hilary, age 88, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2021 surrounded by his devoted family. He is survived by two loving daughters, Deborah E. Hurst (Kenneth) of Richmond, Va. and Janice E. Zera (Steven) of Wake Forest, N.C.; and his grandchildren, Hilary, Bahen, Nicholas and Caroline. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Kilby Elam and Lillian Rankin Elam. John graduated from St. Benedict Parochial School, Benedictine High School, class of 1951 and attended VPI and SU. He proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Europe in the Occupation Army of Germany. John enjoyed a long career as a real estate broker and was well-known in the real estate community in the Museum District. He owned a number of properties, which he always managed himself. In his later years, he could be found chatting with friends at the Westwood Fountain or checking on his rental properties. He had a contagious zest for life and was a well-known fixture in his community. Of his many accomplishments, his greatest joy came from spending time with his children and grandchildren, of whom he was very proud. John was loved dearly by his family and friends and will be missed by all. The family will receive friends at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 15, 2021, where a service will be held at 11 a.m. at Bliley's - Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, Va. 23230.