James Russell Ellis, Sr.

Services for James Russell Ellis, Sr., 91, Lawrence, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2026 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. The family will greet friends from 6-8 pm on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Burial will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence.  He passed away on September 14, 2026 in Lawrence, KS.

James was born January 23, 1935 in Nevada, Missouri the William Grove and Alta Lucille Sumners Ellis.

He served his country in the Navy during the Korean War. He was a member of the De Soto Baptist Church, VFW, International, Kansas and Northeast Kansas, Square Dance Callers Association, Docey Dandies Square Dance Club, Strato Jets Square Dance Club.

He worked for Hallmark Cards Inc. for 33 years.

He married Reta Mae Welch on August 16, 1953, in Linwood, Kansas. She passed away on January 12, 2025. He was also preceded in death by his son, Robert Ellis, two brothers, three sisters.

Survivors include his children, James “Jim” Ellis, Jr. (Ginnie), Lawrence, Linda Sue Conrad, De Soto, his brother, Larry D. Ellis (Sandy) eight grandchildren, Tim (Ashley), Brad, Amanda (Andrew), Christopher (Lisa), Gage, Joshua (Michael), Chrissy (Dennis), Randy and ten great-grandchildren, Justice, Jordan, Donovan, Brandon, Jaeden, Brian (Reagan), Kaytlynn, Brooklynn, Gwenivere, Dakota, and two great-great-grandchildren, Ozzy and Alexander.

The family suggests memorials Valley Church and may be sent in care of the mortuary.