- Date Of Birth: September 17, 1996
- Date Of Death: April 27, 2023
- State: Montana
Joe was born September 17, 1996, to Jason Elam and Gina Eli in Great Falls, Montana. He resided in his hometown for the next 26 years, attending CMR in his high school days where he graduated with his GED. He worked many years in the fast food industry and found his home in the Heritage Inn.
Joseph had a knack for all things nature. He enjoyed fishing, camping, shooting his guns, working with horses, traveling to new places, and various other outdoor activities.
Joe was also a fan of challenges. He would work for what felt like hours on his Rubik’s cube, trying to arrange the colors in their designated spaces. He enjoyed various other 3D puzzles and video games as well. Their complex nature fascinated him. When he wasn’t challenging his mind, he was working with his hands. He found great joy in cooking and baking for his friends and family. Sharing his kitchen creations was Joe’s way of showing love. He was also really good at crocheting and made wonderful pieces of work as often as he could. His artistic talent didn’t end there. He was an extremely well-versed drummer and could sing karaoke as if he were a professional.
Joe was a huge people person. He was there for any and everyone who needed. He was really good with kids, always making them laugh at his goofy nature. Joseph was well acquainted with the elderly as well. He would sit and listen to the stories of their youth and tell stories of his own for their entertainment.
He is survived by his dad, Jason Elam; his stepmom, Melanie Elam; his mom, Gina Eli; his sisters, Hannah McCain, Skyler Ortiz, and Brooke and Christian Wetzel; his brothers, Mike Ortiz, and Robert Dormady; his uncles, Jason Eli, Josh Eli, and Justin Elam; his aunts, Brandy, Sandy, and Jen; and his grandparents, Mary Elam, Jim Eli, Sonja Meline, Carol Eli, and Roger Meline; and his mentor, Danny Dormady.
He was preceded in death by his stepdad, Steven McCown; his great grandparents, Sally and Richard Meade, and Harry and Ginger Elam; his grandpa, Albert (Joe) Elam.
