James Robert “Jimmy” Ellis

James R. Ellis, age 73 of San Saba, Texas, passed away October 22, 2020, at Baylor Scott & White in Round Rock, Texas. Jimmy was born April 2, 1947, in San Saba to Mason Craig Ellis and Patsy Ruth Lewis Ellis. On June 2, 1971, Jimmy married Elizabeth Ann Mosby. Jimmy lived most of his life in San Saba and graduated from San Saba High School in 1965. In 1967, he was drafted into the Vietnam War and served until his discharge in 1969. He received many honors including National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He attended San Angelo State University. Jimmy owned and operated Ellis Grocery for over 20 years. When you envision what a perfect Husband, Daddy and Papaw is, that was Jimmy Ellis. No family is more blessed than we were. He taught us all the value of living life and working hard. He loved his wife, and she was his whole world. She was the only person who could get him to hold his tongue. They were married for 49 wonderful years and have a lifetime of memories. Jimmy was an avid fisherman and hunter; and he took many young men under his wing to show them the ropes (which those could have been legal or NOT). He owned and operated Ellis Grocery from 1971 until late 90's. The famous Ellis Grocery was a hot spot for teenagers and anyone else who enjoyed visiting a while if you stopped in. He retired from San Saba Pecan where he was employed for over 35 years. He worked there in Sales which as many people know he was a true salesman and could really lay on the bull. He loved that job and developed many wonderful relationships with people from all over the United States. Jimmy always had a story to tell, and yes, most of them were true. He was wild and crazy in his younger days, and many could tell a story or two. He loved sports, and we spent many weekends at baseball and golf tournaments. He was always up for a good foot race. As the years went by, his love for sports grew as he enjoyed going to Armadillo football games and track meets watching his "boys." He loved the Dillos and even got him some purple Nike's to wear with his purple shirt and his Armadillo cap. He never met a stranger and to know him was to love him, you just couldn't help it. His favorite things in life besides his wife were his kids, grandbabies and great-grand’s. There was nothing he wouldn't do for any of his kids. They were his whole world, and they knew if they needed or wanted anything, Papaw was their guy! The stories we could tell about him could last for days. He always made our family gatherings lively and fun with more laughter than anyone can imagine.

Survivors include his wife Beth Ellis of San Saba, Texas, and two children: Kimberly Snider and husband Will of San Saba and son Jim Ellis Jr. of Waco; seven grandchildren: Chase Turner; Corey Turner; Carter Turner; Calea Turner of San Saba, Texas; Taylor Hardy; Kameron Ellis and Laney Ellis of Waco, Texas; one brother, Lewis Craig Ellis and wife Pam of Brownwood, Texas; four greatgrandchildren: Keira, Cheyenne, Kadence, and Rhendon of San Saba, Texas; Life Long Best Friend/Brother David Parker of Lake Hills, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Visitation was held on Monday, October 26, 2020, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Blaylock Funeral Home in San Saba, Texas. A Graveside Service was held on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at San Saba Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend John Alsbrooks offciating. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to a charity of choice.