A few more photos of Jerry from May of 2006 when he presided over my retirement.  First photo shows him receiving military honors on his arrival at the ceremony. Second photo shows him speaking at the podium, and the third presenting my wife, Susan, with her honorary submariner certificate.   The ceremony was conducted in Memorial Hall at the US Naval Academy where we both graduated from.

Shortly after my retirement at which he presided, Jerry asked me to take some photos of the family gathered for a reunion in August of 2006.   I've found those photos in my archives and have included two of them.  They were taken along the Potomac River at the north end of Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia.   I enjoyed taking the photos and he clearly enjoyed having them taken to document the gathering of his wonderful family.

He was wonderful to have as a boss and mentor and I enjoyed visiting with him at each of the submarine centric events I attended following my retirement.  Always happy, friendly and a joy to talk with!

Rosemary, Ed and I are so very sorry to hear that the Admiral has passed. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for all you do and have done together for so many.

Dear Rosemary, family and friends of Jerry , 
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at Jerry´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow "Bubblehead" departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor on the USS Catfish SS-339, USS Snook SSN-592, USS Trepang SSN-674, USS Billfish SSN-676, USS Andrew Jackson (Blue) SSBN-619, as CO on USS Ulysses S Grant (Blue) SSBN-631, and as the first CO of USS City of Corpus Christi SSN-705. 
To our "Brother-of-the-Phin" we say, "Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas." Thank you for your service to our country.
Rosemary and family... "may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV). 
Jim Sandman, FTC(SS) Ret, 
National Chaplain, USSVI
www.jimsandman.com

From Radm Sam Cox. Director Naval History. After researching his career, now I know why so many people called me to let me know Jerry Ellis had passed – an eye-watering 62 cumulative years of distinguished service to the United States Navy.  Not many (if any) can claim to have a Defense Distinguished Service Medal, a National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, a Distinguished Civilian Service Medal and two Meritorious Senior Executive Presidential Rank Awards.  Even at the Naval Academy he was perpetually on the Superintendent’s List (all-around academic, athletic and professional achievement). He came out of the blocks fast and never stopped.  Selected for the Naval Nuclear Power Program, he first deployed to the Vietnam War Zone aboard the conventional-powered submarine CATFISH, which at times operated within 100 yards of the North Vietnam coast on rescue/lifeguard duty.  His XO tour in BILLFISH included two highly successful intelligence collection missions in Soviet home waters (the Barents Sea).  He had a nine-year run (1974-1983) of consecutive sea duty as XO of BILLFISH and ANDREW JACKSON and CO of ULYSSES S. GRANT and CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI during the height of undersea interactions between the U.S. Navy and the Soviet Navy in the Cold War (although avoiding such interactions in the case of “boomers”).  He held submarine squadron and group command, culminating in command of all Pacific Fleet submarines during the challenging post-Cold War “peace dividend” fiscal constraints, before becoming Oceanographer of the Navy (not as benign as it sounds) and then into the realm of special projects and deep submergence – an expertise that continued even after he retired, in ways that provided great benefit to Naval and National Intelligence (hence that Distinguished Service Award.) He then served 12 years at Naval Postgraduate School in the Undersea Warfare Chair.  He remained heavily engaged in supporting the Navy in his post-active duty retirement “free time.

My heart goes out to Rosemary and the Ellis family during this sad time.
I was fortunate to be the PAO when RADM Ellis was COMSUBPAC. He was a great leader, mentor and friend. Unforgettable. He will be remembered and missed by those lucky enough to have crossed his path.

Dear family,  My sincere condolences to you.  Jerry  indeed had a fantastic Navy career, full of service for the submarine service that he loved.   He was admired by all who met him.  I am so glad that he was able to relieve me at the Naval Post Graduate School and continued there for so many years.  The Navy's Undersea warfare capability was greatly improved through his efforts.  He will be greatly missed.

Dear Rosemary, Karri, Chris and Family,
      We are deeply saddened to learn of Jerry's passing. He was a true Navy Legend! We are so thankful for the friendship and great memories of shared good times in Hawaii with you all- -Jerry's and Dave's close work relationship with CINCPACFLT, submarine "mini day cruise", New Year's Eve Progressive Dinner, In Harm's Way   December Pearl Harbor Remembrance Evening on Ford Island, and of course Ryan's and Chris's friendship over the years (Go Hokies).
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers for peace as you mourn . If there is anything we can do for you, please know we are here to assist.
       With love and blessings, Dave & Nance Polatty, Cape Cod MA

1998 Dolphin Scholarship  Auction at Pearl Harbor had a Mardi Gras theme  with Jerry and Rosemary as King and Queen.

We knew  Jerry as COMSUBPAC in Hawaii in the 90’s and as COMSUBRON Six in Norfolk, VA  in the late 1980s.   He and Rosemary were the best Navy team.  We will always remember the good times and their friendship. One great memory was when Rosemary and Jerry hosted a fund raiser at their home on Ford island and made it Gilligan’s  island where Nancy played the part of Ginger.
It was a memorable time.

We have so many fond memories in VA as well as many Navy events.
Jerry has an honorable legend; Mike was proud to serve with him in his career.

Our condolences to Rosemary, his wife and
Kari and Chris their adult children 

James “Mike” Willy
Nancy A. Willy

Edison Pageant of Light Parade in his hometown of Fort Myers, Florida. Sitting in the front passenger seat is his proud dad, Win Ellis. Win opened the first air conditioned restaurant called the Snack House in Fort Myers in 1949, and it remained open for over forty years.

Admiral Ellis was a true hero. Most will never know what he did to ensure the safety of our Nation, and that is the way he wanted it. It was my privilege to serve with him, both in uniform in the late 90s, and after my Navy retirement in 2002. Thank you!

My sincerest condolences on the passing of RADM Ellis. I had the distinct honor of working with RADM Ellis when he was Chief of Staff at Submarine Force Headquarters.

So many happy memories together!
God Blessed us with friendship! ✝️🕊️

Your Father was a profound man! 
He was an inspiration to so many. 
Your parents are remarkable people Karri.
Grateful to have so many wonderful memories spent together. So many laughs that fill my heart.
We are better people just knowing and spending time with one another.
Sending you all Peace, Strength and Love. ✝️🙏🏻🕊️

Dearest Ro, I am praying for you and I love you.  And I hope you know how much we loved every second we spent with y’all. Andy absolutely loved working for the Admiral and I loved and will always treasure your guidance and all the laughs we shared.  May you be surrounded by all who love you and may the Admiral rest in peace.
All the aloha, 
debb

You will be sorely missed Uncle Jerry.  Thank you for your dedication to our country and the love you gave to your amazing family. We love you.

OBITUARY

Winford "Jerry" Ellis

August 30, 1941 – June 23, 2026

The Paul Mortuary

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