James Carroll Ellis, 71, Johnson City, died Friday, October 23, 2015, of complications from Parkinson’s Disease.
A native of Roan Mountain, Tenn., he was the son of the late Richard and Mae Julian Ellis. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard “Dick,” and wife, Gladys Ellis; his brother, Jack, and wife, Lillie Mae Ellis; his brother-in-law, Fred Greer; and his beloved niece, Brenda Oakley.
Carroll was a Navy Veteran, an educator, a contractor, and was known for his musical talent. He played multiple musical instruments and was a member of the U.S. Navy band during the maiden voyage of the USS Enterprise, but he was best known as a pianist who could play anything by ear. He graduated from Cloudland High School, Class of 1961, and earned his Bachelor’s degree in music education and his Master’s degree in education at ETSU.
After retiring from the Carter County School System, he entertained with his musical group JC and the Boys in nursing homes throughout the area. In his youth he was known to be a capricious prankster, but he was loved by many for his kindness and generosity. He loved helping neighbors and friends and gave of himself frequently without condition.
Mr. Ellis is survived by his wife, Sue, a school counselor at Science Hill; his daughter, Lindsay Carole of New York City; and his favorite golf cart-riding buddy, Clio. Surviving siblings are Mary Grace Greer of Cookeville, Warren and Barbara Ellis of Monroe, N.C., Glenn Ellis of Johnson City, and Robert and Barbara Ellis of Jonesborough, and 16 wonderful nieces and nephews and many cousins. He will be mourned and remembered by his dear friends, George and Carolyn Heaton, “SJ” McKinney, his beloved neighbors, Howard Bowman and Susan Williams, his brother-in-law, Kenneth “Butch” Andes, and his in-laws, Jack and Lois Andes Sweitzer.
The family would also like to thank RN Kenny Burnett at Johnson City Medical Center for the kindness he showed during the last hours of Carroll’s life.
Gathering of family and friends will be on Wednesday, October 28, at 6 p.m., followed directly by a memorial service at 7 p.m. at Appalachian Funeral Home. Special music will be provided by Jim Wilson. The graveside committal service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 29, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend are requested to meet at the cemetery by 9:50 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research at michaeljfox.org. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.appfh.net.
Appalachian Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City, is serving the Ellis family.