James W. Elliott

James W. Elliott passed away January 7th, 2025. James was born January 23, 1943 in Newport News, Virginia to W. Frank and Elsie (Grissom) Elliott. He is a graduate of Newport News High School (Class of 1961). Subsequently, he graduated from East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina (B.S. Degree) and the University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon (M. Ed and Ph.D Degrees).

Dr. Elliott served as an educational administrator with the Alaska State-Operated Schools System and the Alaska Department of Education, as well as the superintendent of schools for the Northwest Arctic Borough School District, Alaska Gateway School District, Copper River School District, and Denali Borough School District. Additionally he, at different times in his career, served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Alaska - Fairbanks, adjunct instructor and visiting professor at the University of Alaska - Anchorage.

Dr. Elliott was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn Bryant, parents - W. Frank & Elsie Grissom Elliott, Stepmother - Gloria Woolery Elliott, paternal grandparents - John B and Mattie Elliott, maternal grandparents - James E and Rose (Cash) Grissom, and special aunt Josephine (Grissom) Satterwhite who, along with his maternal grandmother, raised him as an infant for 3 years after the untimely death of his mother.

He is survived by his second wife, Marilyn (Silbernagel) Matthisen, sister - Barbara Jean (Elliott) James (Ernie), brother - David Frank Elliott (Linda), and their families, as well as by numerous cousins.

James will be deeply missed by all who knew him, including extended family members and the many, many friends he made throughout his life.

Pursuant to Dr. Elliott's wishes, his ashes will be interred at a private service in his family burial plot at Stovall Baptist Church, Stovall, North Carolina.