John Christian Ellis

Born April 25, 1932 in West Palm Beach, FL passed away Monday, February 12, 2018 at Trustbridge Hospice in Palm Beach Gardens. John is survived by his wife of 60 ½ years Jacqueline Lee (Coble) Ellis. He has one daughter, Joy Christine Ellis (Ft. Myers, FL), two grandchildren, Dennis McKenzie Gayle, Jr (Naples, FL), and Lauren Katherine Gayle (Jupiter, FL). John also has two Great-grandchildren, Emerson McKenzie Gayle and Savannah Joan Gayle, both of Naples, FL.

A lifelong native of West Palm Beach, John was inherently proud of his hometown. He attended Northboro Elementary and was a proud 1950 graduate of Palm Beach High School and was in De Molay. He went on to graduate with a bachelor’s in science in 1954 from Florida Southern College. And was involved in his fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. During this time frame he was drafted by the Army where he served during the Korean war but was still able to complete his service to his country and get his degree.

John worked for Sears Roebuck and Co for 38 years in the Automotive Department as a Manager beginning in West Palm Beach, then helped to open the auto department at the Twin City Mall in Lake Park/North Palm Beach where he worked until the Gardens Mall opened. He remained at the Gardens Mall until 1991. He then worked as a courier for First Citizens Bank in Tequesta until full retirement in 2011.

John had been an active member in Northwood Baptist Church which later had become The Village Baptist Church. He loved cheering on his Miami Dolphins every Sunday and was a hard worker who loved and supported his family. He earned the nickname “Silent Jack” when in college, but even with his tall and strong presence, he was the kindest, sweetest person.

Service will be held Thursday, February 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Aycock-Riverside Funeral Home, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458 followed by a graveside service at South Florida National Cemetery at 6501 SR7 in Lake Worth, FL