John Ellis

John Reavis “Jim” Ellis, 100, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away July 20, 2022, at his home. He was born August 6, 1921, in Dalton, Ga. to the late Samuel Carter Ellis and Fannie Perry Ellis.

He served our country in World War II in the Pacific theater in the Army-Air Corp and as a distinguished foreign service diplomat for 35 years. He lived in the Washington, DC area for many years where he met his wife Ruth, and graduated from George Washington University.

He spent the last 18 years of his career overseas overseeing embassy security in Venezuela, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Panama.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Perry, Wayne and Bob Ellis; and his wives, Sara Martin Ellis (2020), married 14 years, and Lady Ruth Ellis, (2004) married 52 years.

He is survived by his son, Scott Ellis (late wife, Cynthia, 2016) of Hampstead, NC; stepson Reed Martin (Beth) of Raymore, MO; stepdaughters, Raegina Martin of the house and Dana Scott (Rob) of Dillingham, AK; step grandchildren, Creighton Brown (Paige) of Hampstead, NC, Joseph Holmes of Boone, NC, Bailey, Piper, Kailee, Keliko, and Silas of Raymore, MO; Sybil Scott of Dillingham, AK and step great grandchild Walker Brown. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who were all a big part of his life.

One of his biggest pleasures in life was to visit and talk with his family and friends. He spent a great deal of his vacation connecting with family. He was a prolific storyteller of his life, his family’s life and his friends. He also enjoyed taking trips to foreign countries, reading, watching Braves baseball, and working in his yard.

He volunteered some of his time as a member of the Twin City Lions Club, Meals-on-Wheels, and other community organizations. He was also a long-standing member of the First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem.

There will be private service at Arlington National Cemetery in the distant future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Baptist Church of Winston-Salem building fund, 501 W 5th St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com