John E. Ellis

John Ellsworth Ellis went home to his heavenly Father on August 16, 2021. He was born on April 27, 1931 in Callahan, FL to Foster and Evalyn Ellis (Patton). He found salvation early in life, accepting Jesus Christ as his savior, and enjoyed living out his faith in service to his church and those God placed in his life.

John grew up in Jacksonville, where he graduated in 1949 from Robert E. Lee High School. He earned his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Florida in 1955. He was then commissioned in the US Air Force and received his wings as a fighter pilot. After his military service, he worked for Pittsburg Testing Laboratory, traveling around the country using his engineering skills. In 1964, he established Jacksonville Engineering & Testing. In 1970, he founded Ellis & Associates, an engineering firm specializing in geotechnical and materials engineering and testing. Mr. Ellis’ engineering talent impacted the landscape of Jacksonville, particularly in the construction of the major roadways, highways and bridges that connect the city. He was the President of the Northeast Florida Chapter of the Florida Engineering Society 1969.

When he moved home to Jacksonville in 1958, John met his wife, Carolyn Kemp. They were married at Murray Hill Baptist Church in 1960 and were blessed with three children over their 60 years of marriage. Together, John and Carolyn enjoyed traveling through all 50 US states and thirty countries with family and friends.

John Ellis was a devoted husband, father, leader, neighbor and friend. Generosity was a value he embodied, as was supporting the message of Christ around the world. He and Mrs. Ellis hosted many missionaries in an apartment they added to their home, “The Prophets’ Room”, specifically to provide lodging and respite for those traveling through Jacksonville. He modeled the characteristics of a Godly man and parent.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Ellis, his parents, Foster and Evalyn Ellis and his sister, Virginia Shelton. He is survived by his sister, Esther Brandt-Crane (Jim) and his children – John Ellis II (Rhonda), David Ellis (Susan) and Debbie Hall (Scot). He has eleven grandchildren – John Ellis III (Ashton), Alexis Ellis, Daniel Ellis (Gabi), Kelsey Medlin (Joseph), Laura Ellis, Heather Ellis, Lila Ellis, Ansley Ellis, James Hall (Penny), Michael Hall and Christopher Hall (Carmen), and a great grandson, Joshua Hall.

The family will host a visitation on Sunday, August 29 from 5:00–7:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills, 850 St. Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A Celebration of John’s life will be held on Monday, August 30, 2021, 10:00 am at New Life Christian Fellowship, 2701 Hodges Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32224. After the Celebration of Life, there will be graveside service at Chapel Hills. Lunch will be served to all in attendance.

Though dearly missed, John E. Ellis lives on in the memories of his loved ones and the legacy of his generosity.

“His Lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; Enter into the joy of your Lord.’ ” Matthew 25:23