Christopher Jay Elam, 61

Christopher Jay Elam, 61, passed away suddenly Friday, Aug. 17, 2012. He was doing what he loved best, cooking barbecue for a crowd.

 He was born June 7, 1951, to Vernon D. and Sydney (Combs) Elam in Whitefish.

He loved Montana, his family, Jehovah and cooking; and hated lawns. He thought everything should stay in its natural state and dandelions were beautiful. Jay spent the last few years taking care of his mother who is disabled. He was her rock.

Survivors include his mother, Sydney Combs Derrick; his father, Vernon Elam, and wife, Joan; brothers, Michael and wife Kerry, a niece Kiera; Tracy Elam; children, Jason Gabriel Elam and Melissa Aimee and husband James; grandchild, Jameson; Devon Ciara; and a million friends.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at the Jehovah's Witness Hall in Eureka.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.