Retired Col. James Thomas Ellis, III

Retired Col. James Thomas Ellis, III passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. 

He was born Aug. 15, 1939, in Greensboro, NC, to Rev. James T. Ellis Jr and Treva Lynch Ellis. He married Nancy Jane Sharpe on Jan. 20, 1957.

His military service in the NC Army National Guard was from 1957-1994. He held positions in Field Artillery and retired from the General's Staff. He participated in disaster recovery events. His love of marksmanship led him into training others and team competitions.

Awards included the Induction into the US Infantry OCS Hall of Fame, the Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Rifleman and The Presidents One Hundred award.

Being a Christian let others see the teachings of Jesus Christ in the manner of living his life. Galatians 5:22 was the rule he lived by in all areas of his life. He preferred to be called Tom. He loved God, Family and Country in that order.

His greatest joy was his family and firm relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ. His wife of 69 years, Nancy Sharpe and three sons are left with solid memories, Jim, Brad (Angie), and Gary (Anne); beloved grandchildren: Elizabeth Ellis-Beasley (Matthew), Neil Ellis (Ashley), Tiffany Ellis-Gobble (Evan), Katie Ellis Frazier (Josh), Jennifer Ellis Odom (Terrance), Thomas Ellis (Bekah), and Josh Ellis (Gabriella); and nine great-grandchildren.

The family thanks caregivers: Kay, Maria, Rosemary, Megan and Brittany and others of The Hospice of Piedmont. He loved being on his farm working with his hands where he passed peacefully looking out the window for two years spent in bed confinement. He was always pleasant and grateful for each morning's sunrise, never complaining.

A visitation will be held on Monday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m., at Forbis and Dick Funeral Service, Pleasant Garden, North Carolina, with the service following at 3 p.m. and a brief drive to the cemetery with military honors at Alamance Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, NC.

Memorials may be made to:

— The First Christian Church of Ramseur Family Benevolent Fund, for those in need, 1381 Church St, Ramseur, NC 27316.

— Parks Crossroads Christian Church, 2057 Parks Crossroads Church Rd, Ramseur, NC 27316.