John J. Ellison

John J. Ellison was born October 16, 1945 in Houston Texas to Margaret and Clarence “Tut” Ellison. His family relocated to Petersburg Texas where he grew up. He spent many childhood summers with his grandmother exploring nature at her cabin on Lake Whitney, which developed his life-long love for nature and spending time outdoors. John graduated from Petersburg High School in 1963, where he met his wife of 56 years, Ethel Elizabeth Mabry, whose heart he proudly said he “won” through persistence, patience, and genuine love. Their marriage became a partnership filled with laughter, ministry in serving Jesus together, and unwavering support of each other. They were blessed with two daughters and six grandchildren. John was a loving father to his daughters, earnestly prioritizing them in his daily life, and an adoring “Boppa” who considered the births of his grandchildren among the very best days of his life. Time spent with family, especially as a grandfather, brought him immeasurable joy. He could often be found bouncing a crying baby, playing at a park or swimming with his grandchildren, riding roller coasters tauntingly teasing that “there’s no turning back now” and educating kids to be “bug literate” so they didn’t blindly squash every insect that errantly wandered inside. His bug lessons were more effective with some children rather than others!

John obtained his Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Administration with a Minor in Landscape Architecture from Texas Tech University in 1968 and earned his Registered Landscape Architect certification in 1972. Beginning his career in Midland, he advanced to serve as Superintendent of Parks for the City of Abilene before becoming the City of Austin Superintendent of Park Improvements. While working for the City of Austin, he oversaw development of the Mount Bonnell scenic overlook and was honored to work personally with Lady Bird Johnson helping to create the Zilker Park Hike and Bike trail, bringing her Town Lake Beautification project to life as a Bicentennial gift to the City. His visionary concepts for creative outdoor functionality were sought out by friends and eventually led him to venture into private practice, opening John J. Ellison Landscape Architecture in 1985 during which time he also taught classes in Landscaping at Westwood and Westlake Community Education. John enjoyed creating beautiful outdoor spaces for residential and commercial clients and saw his landscape architecture come to life across the greater Austin and San Antonio areas. He had an extensive portfolio including the home of one of Austin’s resident PGA members, numerous local churches, several Eanes ISD schools his children and grandchildren have attended, as well as the master Landscape Design Plan for his cherished Austin Baptist Church.

John committed his life to Christ as a child and enjoyed worshipping and serving in his local church. He was an active member of Hyde Park Baptist Church where he was ordained as a Deacon and had the privilege of working with Youth in 10th Grade Sunday School and the High School Chapel Choir. Along with Ethel, they spent their vacation week for many summers as sponsors for the Hyde Park Chapel Choir Tour, chaperoning large groups of high school teenagers in various cities across the USA to host Bible clubs and Christian choir concerts. He later became a Charter Deacon and founding member of Austin Baptist Church where he served until his battle with Parkinson’s disease intensified.

John’s faith in Jesus became sight on December 31, 2025, with his wife and daughters at his side. He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Tut Ellison, brother-in-law LA “George” Patterson, nephew Greg Patterson, and Ethel’s brother and his wife, Ralph and Bobbie Mabry. He is survived by his loving wife Ethel, daughter Jennifer Bossen and husband Andrew Bossen of Sherman Texas, daughter Stephanie Poage and husband Collin Poage of Austin Texas, grandchildren Avery Poage (19), Drew Bossen (17), Julia Poage (17), Bella Bossen (15) Margaret “Maggie” Poage (12), and Michael “Mick” Poage (10). He is also survived by his only sister, Carole Patterson of Allen Texas, as well as numerous treasured nieces and nephews.

His family will forever be grateful to the staff and PALS at Belmont Senior Living in Westlake for welcoming him into their family and for the patient, loving care they provided. A celebration of life will be held for John at 11:00 am on Friday January 9, 2026 at Austin Baptist Church. The family requests memorials be given to Austin Baptist Church or to plant a tree in his honor somewhere you enjoy spending time outdoors.