Obituary: James Ellis Mathis
James Ellis Mathis, 77, of Pocahontas, Tennessee, passed away in his home on Saturday, May 24, 2025. He was a 32 degree Mason, interpreter for the deaf, and a seminary student.
Ellis was born in Brownfield, Mississippi on February 6, 1948, to Troy and Willie Daphene Mathis. The first child of a U.S. Airman, he attended high school overseas at Chofu High School in Tokyo, Japan.
Ellis as a strong-willed, principled man who valued honesty over comfort and hard work over praise. He built a career in Information Technology, where he was known as a sharp, capable and unafraid to speak his mind. Those who knew him understood his cutting wit, his stubborn steak and quiet loyalty he carried beneath it all.
He is survived by his wife, Christine Mathis; his children: Heather (Brandon) Grimes, Amber (Grant) Cooley, Carrie (Robert) Stewart, and Aaron (Kassi) Mathis; his Grandchildren: Dalton Stewart, Evan Stewart, Garrett Cooley, Mackenzie Cooley, Peyton Cooley and Miles Mathis; and his brothers: Ronnie (Karen) Mathis, Troy Eugene (Angela) Mathis, Jr and stepsister, Cindy Flake (Larry).
Ellis leaves behind a legacy of resilience, integrity and grit. He taught his family the importance of doing what’s right, even when it’s hard, and of standing by your word. He will be remembered for the strength of his convictions and the impact he had on those closest to him.
Service will be held at New Hope Baptist Church in Pocahontas on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 1 p.m. with the interment at the Mathis Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Shackelford Funeral Directors of Bolivar is in charge of professional arrangements.
Memorials may sent to New Hope Baptist Church, Pocahontas, Tennessee.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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