John Edward Elam Sr. passed away on February 1, 2022 after suffering many years with dementia. He was 86 years old. Born on February 1, 1936, in Luling, Texas as the only child of Uel and Ruth Elam. From an early age, John loved sports and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball at Luling High School.

He attended The University of Texas from 1954 – 1958 on a full athletic scholarship. He played both football and baseball for the Longhorns. After graduation, John began his career in coaching in Amarillo at Tascosa High School and continued at San Angelo Central High School, Bishop High School and Temple High School. John coached for 14 years and then transitioned his career to real estate and mortgage banking. He was involved in his community and served on the Pasadena ISD school board for nine years and was a board member for the water district for over two decades. John was very connected to his church and served as a deacon for over 50 years.

While coaching in San Angelo, John met the love of his life – Mary Ella (Box) Elam. They married in July of 1962. John was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather and cherished his family. John and Mary Ella had four children and ten grandchildren. His love for family and sports continued through his involvement with his children and grandchildren's school and sporting events.

He was preceded in death by his son John Elam Jr. in 2010 after a long battle with cancer. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ella Elam; his sons and daughter along with their spouses: David and Amy Elam (Boerne, TX), Kimberley and Derrek Hryhorchuk (Houston, TX), and Brad and Kathleen Elam (Rockwall, TX). Grandchildren are as follows: John Elam III, Nathan Elam and spouse Morgan, Kristin Elam, Natalie Elam Garrett and spouse Connor, Ashley Hryhorchuk, Brittney Hryhorchuk, Lauren Elam, Kate Elam, Nicklaus Elam and Austin Hryhorchuk.

In leu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Sagemont Church Nvision fund or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Memorial Service will be held at Sagemont Church on February 19, 2022, visitation with Family begins at 10:00am the memorial service will follow at 11:00am.