James Ellis

James Earl Ellis (Jim), age 86, of Kingsport, TN went to heaven Thursday, June 9, with his wife, children, and all his grandchildren at his bedside. He attended Emory & Henry College, and served in the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict. He worked at Abernathy-Thomas Engineering Company his entire professional life, from 1951 to present. Jim was a member of Colonial Heights United Methodist Church. Jim loved to learn, always trying new things. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, and bicycle riding. He was a charter member of the Kingsport bicycle club, and taught his own children and grandchildren, most of his nieces and nephews and many neighborhood children to ride as well.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Doris Sue Ellis; sister, Frances Ellis Carpenter; brothers, Donald Curtis Ellis, and Raymond Lynn Ellis; and parents, Edgar Eugene Ellis and Nina Lee Hackler Ellis.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Janie Bland Ellis; daughter, Donna Ellis Huff and husband Steve; son, Roger Ellis and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Jason Huff and wife Theresa, Adam Ellis and wife Alicia, Benjamin Ellis and wife Emily, Anna Ellis Buisch and husband Sam, Isaac Ellis and wife Emilea, Jacob Ellis and fiancée Anna McLeod; 8 great-grandchildren, plus two due near his birthday; sister, Maude Ellis Smith; brother, Rev. Edgar Lee Ellis, and many loved extended family members.

The family would like to express special thanks to the doctors and nurses involved in his care.

If you wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holston United Methodist Home for Children, c/o Colonial Heights Methodist Church, 631 Lebanon Rd, Kingsport, TN 37663.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5-7:00pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Downtown.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Monday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Downtown with Rev. Robert Burlingham and his brother, Rev. Edgar Lee Ellis officiating.

His grandsons will serve as pall bearers, with the employees of Abernathy-Thomas Engineering Company as honorary pallbearers.