Joel David Elms of Woodstock, Georgia passed away Friday, August 9th at the age of 58. Dave was born and grew up in Monterrey, California where he loved spending his time fly fishing, hanging out on the beach, and surfing. After graduating high school, Dave served in The Navy for 8 years where he served aboard the U.S.S. Orleck and as a machinist’s mate on nuclear submarines. Dave was very patriotic and was extremely proud of his service and proud of being a “Shellback”. After the service he moved to Georgia where he met his wife Lisa and managed one of his family’s businesses. He taught himself how to make and repair jewelry and eventually opened up his own jewelry business, The Jeweler’s Bench and Gem Factory. He was considered an outstanding jeweler.
Dave loved jet skiing, and building and working on motorcycles and cars. He was very talented and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. After semi-retiring, Dave spent his time on a multitude of projects, one of which was tinkering around with his Jeep Wrangler – that was his “baby”. Dave also loved spending time with his family at home and loved his dogs -his two chihuahuas were the loves of his life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa and beloved son, David of Woodstock, Georgia, his mother, Robin Greenberg of Atlanta, Georgia, father Richard Elms of Cool, California, brothers – Rick Elms of Nashville, Tennessee and Jim Elms of El Cajon, California, step-sisters Janelle Alelsys of Coolidge, Arizona and Rene Gatson of Atlanta, Georgia.
Services were held Monday, August 19th, 9:30am at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia with family and close friends. In memory of Dave, donations may be made to one of the following charities: The Gary Sinise Foundation, The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, Two Tails Rescue. Condolences can be left for the family at www.GeorgiaFuneralCare.com