James “Jay” Robertson Elliot, Jr.

ROCKY MOUNT - James "Jay" Robertson Elliot, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Born in Norfolk, Virginia on April 30, 1942, Jay is survived by his wife Ellen “Ginger” Groobey Elliot; his daughters, Kristi Elliot Strickland and Laura Elliot (Jenny); his son, Rob Elliot (Andi); his grandchildren, Gregory Strickland, Cora and Ella Elliot; and his nephew, Chris Groobey (Carolyn). Jay was preceded in death by his parents James Robertson Elliot and Evelyn Wilson Bright Elliot and his sister, Katherine Bright Elliot. Jay was a graduate of Maury High School in Norfolk, VA and Hampden Sydney College, in Hampden Sydney, VA. He also completed post-graduate studies in forestry at NC State. Jay was a talented athlete, playing football in both high school and college. He had a passion for learning history, math, science and philosophy. Jay and Ginger moved to Rocky Mount, NC in 1966 where he opened an expansion of his family's business, Elliot and Company Architectural Woodworking while also serving in the Army National Guard. Jay retired in 2007 as a high school math and science teacher. Jay most loved spending time with his children and grandchildren in whom he instilled a strong sense of adventure and passion for learning. Throughout their marriage of 55 years, Jay and Ginger created a loving family who shared his joys of golfing, hiking, skiing, museums, music and traveling. He was always very proud of the sense of civic engagement and responsibility that this wife and children embody. His life will be celebrated in a private family service. The Elliot's invite friends and loved ones to share memories and condolences by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Jay's memory to the American Diabetes Association: PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or diabetes.org. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Service Jays life will be celebrated in a private family service.