James Mayo Ellis passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023, at the age of 85.
He was born February 7, 1937 in Sedalia, to James & Jewel O’Daniels Ellis. He attended Maplewood School through the 8th grade and Smith Cotton High School. He joined the Navy during high school and graduated while stationed in Key West Florida. Although he did not graduate from Smith Cotton, he always considered himself a part of the Class of 1955. After completing his tour, he attended Central Missouri State University, graduating in 1961 with degrees in History & Geography. He married the love of his life, Marguerite Houck, on September 2, 1967.
His entire career was with the US Army Corps of Engineers, beginning as a Cartographic Technician on the Kaysinger Bluff/Truman Dam Project in 1961. He was transferred to the Panama Canal Zone in 1967 where he traveled throughout Central & South America as a Real Estate Liaison to secure leases on facilities for military groups attached to the US Embassies. In 1970 he transferred to Raleigh, NC area as a Realty Specialist where he worked on multiple projects securing land for various dams and lakes. In 1974 he relocated to Anderson, SC to secure land for the Russel B. Jordan Dam project. In 1978 he moved to Savannah, GA where he was Chief of Real Estate for the Savannah District which included the southeast US, the Middle East & North Africa. He oversaw Corps Operations in Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War. He was selected as the Corps of Engineers Civilian of the year for his efforts in this operation. He retired from Savannah District in 1992.
After retiring he and Marguerite moved back to Sedalia to live in his childhood home. Being a federal employee, he was not able to participate in politics, so once retired, he ran for and was elected Pettis County Eastern District Commissioner where he served for 4 years. He was active in the Pettis County Democrats group and was Chairman of the local Red Cross for 16 years. Jim was an avid gardener, fisherman and bird watcher whose yard was a favorite feeding stop for many varieties of birds.
Jim is survived by his wife, of the home; daughter Robin Sneed, Pittsboro, NC; daughter Regina Shaw-Ellis (Kimberlee), Kansas City; granddaughter Amanda Everts (Jacob), Knob Noster; granddaughter Megan Sneed, Pittsboro, NC; sister Priscilla Young, Lees Summit, nieces, nephews, and many friends who will miss him very much.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Stacy Ellis and brother-in-law Wray Young.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2023 at First Christian Church with the Rev. Dr. Chad McMullin officiating. Burial with full military honors by the U.S. Navy and VFW 2591 will be on the family homestead. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at the church.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Red Cross or UCM Geography Department in Jim’s honor. Arrangements are under the direction of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.