Jeffry Tano Elliker

“Elkdog” · “Tano” · “Pop-Pop”

Jeffry T. Elliker, of Durham, NC, passed away on March 30, 2026, at the age of 66, after a long and hard-fought battle with lymphoma, one he outlived by more than a decade in true Jeff fashion.

Born on July 8, 1959, at a U.S. military base in Sagamihara, Japan, to the late John Samuel Elliker Sr. and Janet Carpenter Elliker, Jeff was the youngest of four siblings: John Jr. (Susan) of Virginia Beach, VA; James (Roula) of Fleetwood, PA; and Jody Weisgarber (Bill) of New Philadelphia, OH.

Jeff’s early years were shaped by adventure, from Japan to Hawaii, where he held onto fond childhood memories of island life, and eventually to Wheaton, Maryland, where he grew up on May Street. It was there he formed lifelong friendships and developed a deep, unwavering loyalty to his beloved Washington Redskins, now the Washington Commanders, and the Baltimore Orioles, allegiances he carried proudly and loudly for the rest of his life.

In 1984, Jeff married his beloved wife of 28 years, Marcia (Helsabeck) Elliker originally from Walnut Cove, NC. Together they built a life and family that became his greatest pride. They were blessed with four children: Jessica Lea Elliker, who preceded him in death in July 1984, Jordan Todd Elliker, Stacy Elliker Barnard (Nicholas), and Dylan James Elliker (Christine). He was a devoted “Pop-Pop” to his three grandchildren, Amelia, Rome, and Brooks, who brought him endless joy.

Jeff graduated from Wheaton High School in Silver Spring, MD in 1977 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio in 1981.

A natural athlete, Jeff excelled in both baseball and cross country. Most notably he went on to be an outstanding soccer player at Miami University who was loved and respected by all his teammates. Jeff excelled in baseball, soccer, and cross country. His love for soccer carried him overseas, where he spent time playing in Germany with the Bayern Munich organization, an experience that left a lasting impression on his young adult years. His passions were many and varied, including classic rock blasting from the speakers, old westerns, yard work, carpentry, duct tape fixes whether appropriate or not, and his trusty pickup truck, “Old Blue.” Above all, he loved bringing people together, always finding a reason to gather, laugh, and tell a good story.

Jeff began his career teaching physical education in Maryland before moving to North Carolina, where he found his stride in the construction industry. Over the next 25 years, he helped shape the landscape of Durham, overseeing major construction projects including school buildings and the revitalization of the downtown tobacco district. He took pride in building things that lasted.

But if you asked Jeff, his greatest accomplishment was the family he raised. He was a deeply devoted father, showing up as a coach, a mentor, and a constant presence. Many of his nieces and nephews even saw him as a second father figure, and he embraced that role wholeheartedly. His advice was always plentiful, sometimes sage and sometimes questionable, but always delivered with love, humor, and conviction.

Jeff was, simply put, the life of the party. A true character. A storyteller. A man who made ordinary moments feel like something worth celebrating. There was never a dull moment when Jeff was around, and that is exactly how he would have wanted it.

He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and talked about often, usually with a smile.

The family will hold a private cremation service, with plans for burial at Markham Memorial Garden Cemetery in Durham, NC at a later date, where Jeff will be laid to rest alongside his first daughter Jessica.

All are invited to celebrate Jeff’s life at a memorial service led by his brother, Deacon Jim Elliker, at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Orange United Methodist Church, 1220 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC. Family will be present to greet guests both at the church and at a light reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeff’s memory to the Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research, or another charity of your choice.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to both the team at Duke Hospital and the McClure Family for their care, compassion, and support throughout Jeff’s journey.