James Earl Ellis

James was born near the town of Wills Point, Texas, on February 1st, 1922, on a small farm owned by his parents. After finishing High School at Wills Point he attended Hardin-Simmons University, where he eventually received a degree in Chemistry, after serving several years in the Naval Reserve. In August 1945, he married Jessie Mae Willis, whom he had met while serving in the military in Ruston, Louisiana. Their enduring marriage produced one son, Ronald Ellis, currently of Fannett, Texas and a daughter Jamie Miller, of Cottontown, TN.

After deciding that farm life wasn't for him he secured a job at MobilOIl, now Exxon-Mobil, in 1947, which he held until his retirement in 1982. During retirement he enjoyed working to maintain a nice yard with roses and various plants.

He was a former member of South Park Baptist Church for approximately 42 years and more recently a member of the First Baptist Church of Baytown for approximately 19 years, before returning to Beaumont.

James departed this life in the early hours of December 8th, 2011. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jessie Mae Ellis. His parents Earl and Leona Beck Ellis, and step mother Stella Ellis. Those who survive him are his son Ron Ellis, residing in the Fannett area, his daughter Jamie Miller, husband Kelly, and daughter Elizabeth of Cottontown, TN, and six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to biblical principles and for singing "I'll Fly Away", to whoever would listen when he was confined to various long term care facilities.

A special thanks to the staff of Jefferson Nursing & Rehab of Beaumont. Drs Levine & Brauer and support personnel also of Beaumont and the staff of Remington Park and Dr. Hameed of Baytown, Tx.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or to organizations for Macular Degeneration research.

Visitation will be at 1:30 pm with services to follow at 2:30 pm, on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, in the Chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 4955 Pine St., in Beaumont, with graveside services to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, dependent on the weather.