Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

James H. Ellis was born September 5, 1957 in Monroe, Louisiana to Genevieve Latchison and Roosevelt Jackson. He lived a life full of love and laughter until his departure on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. James was baptized at an early age at Greater New Hope Baptist Church. James received his early education at Swayze Elementary and graduated from Richwood High School in 1977. He was loved dearly by his wife, Daphne Ellis for 27 years. Mr. Ellis worked for 42 years with Union Pacific Railroad where his most recent position was Track Line Foreman. James had a golden heart, just as the gold chains he wore. He was lovingly called "Face" by his family, friends and acquaintances. If you asked him how he got that name, he would turn his head to side and say, "Because I'm so pretty." He shared knowledge with humor and sincerity. These are just some of the reasons why James was known and respected from Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas to South Louisiana while working with Union Pacific Tie Gangs #9169 and #6167. He was preceded in death by his dear grandparents, Tom and Nancy Latchison and his father, Roosevelt Jackson. His leaves his wife Daphne Ellis and his mother Genevieve Latchison to cherish his memory. He is survived by his 15 brothers (Johnny Latchison, Donell Ellis (Valerie), Michael Ellis (Velma), Clayton Walker, Bobby Ray Latchison (Monica), Lawrence Mathis, Robert Jackson, Roosevelt Jackson, Rogoznica Jackson, Julius Jackson, Roger Jackson, Calvin Ray Johnson, Cheyenne Jackson, Adrian Jackson, Ronavee Jackson and three sisters --Connie Anderson (Carl), Deborah Johnson and Virginia Jackson. He leaves his beloved godson, Kendarius Stark and goddaughters, Lanatra Major and Amaya Brown to reflect on his loving and caring heart. James will be missed greatly by his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Family and friends will bid farewell to James H. Ellis Saturday February 15, 2020 at 11 am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Monroe LA. Visitation is Friday February 14, 5-7pm at Smith Funeral Home Monroe LA. Left to cherish memories are his wife Daphne Ellis and brother Robert "Truck" Johnson. Death is never easy , please pray for this family.