James J. "Red" Ellis, 83, Mt. Vernon, died 7:50 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, 2005, at his residence in Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Ellis retired as a dispatcher for the Mt. Vernon Police Department.

He was born June 2, 1922, in Wayne City, a son of Everett G. and Mary O. (Youngblood) Ellis.

He married Alma L. Feezel on Sept. 1, 1946, in Mt. Vernon; she preceded him in death Aug. 15, 1986.

The funeral will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday in the chapel at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn. The Rev. David Shores will officiate. Burial will be at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens, with full military honors conducted by members of Mt. Vernon American Legion Post 141. Visitation will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the chapel at Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens.

Survivors include a daughter, Margie Weidenbach and husband Ray of Mt. Vernon; two granddaughters, Laura Lemons and husband Rodger of Mt. Vernon and Karen Robinson and husband Bob of Herrin; great-grandchildren Matthew, Adam Lee, Jacob and Rachel Lemons of Mt. Vernon, Pvt. Robert Robinson Jr., U.S. Marine Corps, and Codie, Aaron, Emily, Sarah, Jessica and Alexis Robinson of Herrin; one brother, Parker Ellis and wife Mary Lou of Mt. Vernon; one sister, Lulu Pyle of Thomasville, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Mr. Ellis in death were his parents; wife; two brothers, Emmett Jr. and Paul Ellis; and a granddaughter, Sandra Loss.

Red was a veteran of World War II who fought with the Army in the South Pacific. He was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to First Freewill Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, Ill., 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call (618) 242-3348 for further information.

Source: Register-News, Mt Vernon IL
Date: September 20, 2005
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman