James B. “J.B.” Ellis
James B. “J. B.” Ellis, 70, of Horseshoe Bay died April 17, 2010, in Burnet. He was in Topeka, Kan., to Gene E. and Ramona Ellis.
After graduating from Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1962, he began his service with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Over 30 years, his path spanned 20 different locations and assignments throughout Kansas, Missouri, Texas, New York and Oklahoma.
In 1984, he was named vice-president of strategic planning and was responsible for developing strategic goals for the new company, Southwestern Bell Corporation, SBC.
He retired and moved to Horseshoe Bay in 1992.
Encouraging a strong education was key to his legacy, relatives said. He earned advanced degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business and the University of Illinois. He was named Trustee of Oklahoma City University, taught business ethics courses at Kansas State University and served as a visiting Professor for Oklahoma City University in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
He served on numerous boards and committees, and was president of the Burnet County Emergency Services District No. 1 since 2004.
Golf was a passion for J.B. and he was well-renowned for his prodigious use of the "foot wedge".
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Diana S. Ellis; children, Brian F. Ellis of Norman, Okla. and Kevin G. Ellis and wife Laurell of Tulsa, Okla.; two grandchildren; brother G. Dirk Ellis and wife Judi of Kansas City, Mo.; nephew Grant Ellis and wife April of Phoenix; and aunt Elizabeth Nordeen of Scottsdale, Ariz.
He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew Geoffrey D. Ellis.
A party to celebrate his life will be held 4-6 p.m. May 2 at the “Y” Bar at the Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay.
Memorial donations may be made to the Hill Country 100 Club, P. O. Box 381, Burnet, TX 78611; Marble Falls EMS, 609 Industrial Blvd., Marble Falls, TX 78654, or a preferred local charity.
Condolences may be offered to www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home of Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373.