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The consumer electronics industry mourns the loss of Harry Elias, Consumer Technology Hall of Famer and former JVC executive vice president and Akai chairman, who died on November 12. He was in his late 80s.

Elias is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gladys, three children, and two grandchildren.

An industry icon, Elias spent 37 years at JVC, which included serving as executive vice president and COO, where he helped build a $1.5 billion company with fewer than 300 employees. JVC is best known for introducing Japan's first televisions and developing the Video Home System (VHS) video recorder. After a distinguished career with the company, Elias stepped down as honorable chairman of JVC Company of America in 2004, one of few Americans at the time to reach such high status within a Japanese company.

In 2005, Elias joined Akai USA as chairman of the board and also served on the Board of Directors for Bio-Reference Laboratories Inc. He began his career in the consumer electronics industry as a salesman for VIM's electronics, a retailer.

Elias was inducted into the Consumer Technology Hall of Fame in 2005. He also served on CTA's Board of Industry Leaders from 1999-2001 and as chairman of CTA's Video Division.

"Harry was a good friend to many, a strong industry leader and a CTA supporter," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). "He helped JVC become a significant player in the U.S. consumer technology industry, and his passion for the industry and his family was apparent to all. Our condolences go out to the entire Elias and JVC family."

For a more complete remembrance and biography, visit twice.com.