James Gerald ELLSWORTH

James ELLSWORTH Obituary

ELLSWORTH, James Gerald

passed away surrounded by his loving family December 10, 2016, in Largo, FL, at the age of 68. James is survived by his wife, Kim Ellsworth of Clearwater, FL; children, Jamie Goodman (William) of Holiday, FL and Jennifer Engman (Jason) of Apollo Beach, FL; grandchildren, Elias Saez and Makenzi Goodman of Holiday, FL; stepdaughters, Holly Babcock and Kandace Smith of Louisville, KY; and brother, Kevin Hall of Milton, WV. He is preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Ellsworth of Largo, FL and father, James Hall of Hattiesburg, MS. James was born November 1, 1948, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, to Joyce Vivian Ellsworth and James Alexander Hall. He married Kim Smith in 2006. James was accomplished at technical support and often assisted those who had trouble with their phones and computers. He was a kind individual who loved people and who was passionate about music and human rights. He was an active and dedicated member of the National Federation of the Blind and often volunteered to speak at the state and national conventions. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, MD.

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Published by Tampa Bay Times on Dec. 30, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for James ELLSWORTH

Sponsored by The Goodman/Engman/Ellsworth Family.

7 Entries

Reg George

January 10, 2017

Jim your contribution to the world has been immeasurable. Thank you for all your mentoring and support to me and everyone else over the years. You are a truly kind and caring guy and I will miss you the rest of my life. I want to wish blessings and peace for everyone in your family and everyone that you loved. It has been an honor to know you. You have made the world a much better place.

Melinda Byrer

January 9, 2017

Dear Jim, what can I say? We had some really great times together. We have a beautiful daughter (Jamie) together and you were a wonderful father to Jennifer too. So many things I miss about you. May you rest in eternal peace. I will see you again some day.

Jamie Goodman

January 9, 2017

I miss you so much Dad. I feel lost without you here. I love you!

Eric Damery

January 5, 2017

I've known Jim since 1993.

He was a pioneer when it came to talking computers and anything technology for that matter. My father who was a blinded vet, heard about Jim from others he met attending the monthly meetings that he attended at Bay Pines VA Medical Center. Dad was so excited to share how these guys were learning computers and getting trained by another blind fellow named Jim, who volunteered at the local blindness center in Largo, FL.

Well, my dad was fortunate to get the VA to equip him with a computer as a result of this. It came with Openbook and JAWS, and as luck would have it, Jim actually came to his house and help with some of the training for him. And this all led me to a meeting with Ted and Mel Henter who ran Henter-Joyce and created the JAWS program. I started a career with them that year which has had a huge impact on the my live and that of my family.

During that first year, Ted also convinced Jim to come to work for HJ as well. With Microsoft Windows replacing most DOS computers, came a great deal of new challenges and the need for talented sales and support staff. Jim joined us as a result and over the past 20 plus years, I witnessed this selfless man display compassion and a sincere concern for thousands of customers entering the world of computers without a screen.

He worked tirelessly on the phones, traveled with us to conventions around the country, and never stopped pushing us to improve our products. During those years, it is safe to say that not every customer was as polite on the phone as one would hope. But Jim had a knack for helping them feel at ease, and give them confidence they could do it. When ever I would travel, not matter where I went, customers always asked me about Jim.

Yesterday, we had a special visit from a young man named Andrew Zeman and his family from Wisconsin. Andrew was born blind and needed a kidney transplant at 9 years old. Needless to say, he has had his share of struggles during his first 18 years of life. Early in his school years, he was introduced to JAWS and as a result, our employees and the recordings we produced for customers to listen to, have been a big part of his life. So when Andrew was given his wish, from the Make A Wish organization, he chose to come to FL and meet the people behind the voices to thank them. Andrew knew quite a few of our people from training and the pod casts we do each month. He also asked me about his friend, Jim Ellsworth yesterday. He may not have had many calls with Jim over the year, but Andrew listened to our monthly FSCast on the internet religiously. And on those broadcasts, he met the voice of Jim Ellsworth who interviewed on a couple of occasion. Andrew remembered him well. I bet Jim was smiling yesterday when Andrew asked about him. I know I was.

Jim cared deeply about his family and friends. Making the move to join HJ back in the 90's, was a difficult move for him. I remember talking to him about it and first and foremost on his mind was having any disruption in Health Insurance for his children. My prayers go out to Kim and the children. He will be missed, but never forgotten.

God Bless

Jennifer Engman

January 2, 2017

I love and miss you so much dad

Marnie West

December 30, 2016

Jim, thank you for being such a good friend to me! I miss you! I will Think of you whenever I eat chips and salsa. :-)
Kim and girls, I am wishing for peace and comfort for you all at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you guys!

Tammy Byrer

December 30, 2016

Prayers for peace and grace in your time of sorrow!
Love Jim and Tammy Byrer and Pat Byrer

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