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John ELLINGSWORTH Obituary
He was a native of Motorun, Mathews County. He had been a resident of Hampton most of his life.
Jack served in the United States Coast Guard and was stationed at Hoopers Island Lighthouse. He was also a port security officer in Baltimore, Md. Jack was a graduate of the Apprentice School at NASA. In, 1985, he was awarded a U.S. Patent, as a co-inventor of a Tensile Testing Apparatus. He retired from NASA in 1989 with 37 years of service as a machinist. After his retirement, he returned to NASA as a supervisor for Lockheed to complete the Lite Project.
Jack was a faithful member of Bethany United Methodist Church, where he was active in United Methodist Men and served on numerous committees. He taught Sunday school youth groups at Bethany and his former church, Phoebus Methodist Church. For many years he attended the Methodist General Conference as a lay member from Bethany.
Friends and family were important to Jack. His grandchildren were very special to him and all three, as well as his nieces and nephews remember the numerous tractor rides with Pops.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Pauline Ellingsworth; and his infant twin sons.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Joyce S. Ellingsworth; one son, Spencer Ellingsworth (Tanya); twin granddaughters, Laurel and Elsie; grandson, Hugh, all of Yorktown; one sister, Paulette Hudgins (Bob) of Newport News; sister-in-law, Shirley Robinson (Doyle) of Richmond; brother-in-law, Charles Spencer (Barbara) of Crewe, Va.; and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Bethany United Methodist Church. In celebration of his life, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at Bethany, with the Rev. Arthur Rajanayakam officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, 1509 Todds Lane, Hampton, VA 23666.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John ELLINGSWORTH
Vickie Pierson Smith
December 25, 2009
Dear Joyce and Paulette,
I was shocked to hear of Jack's death. I just heard Dec 24, from Aunt Elizabeth. She is up for Christmas.
I would have thought you all would have called to tell me. I would have come to the services.Vickie
Cyndi Cronley
December 1, 2009
Just this past Thanksgiving I used my beautiful trivets that Jack made for me and I have a beautiful case for my Betty White doll thanks to his beautiful woodworking skills. I am so sorry for your loss Joyce, may you find peace that he is loooking down on you and smiling.
December 1, 2009
As with everyone I know at Bethany, I too loved Jack. He used to make a clam chowder for Ash Wednesday that was like nothing else I had ever tasted. He actually shucked the clams himself. I often make a clam chowder similiar to his and never do it without thinking of Jack. It is a part of him that Jim and I will always have. In my recipe book, we call it "Jack Ellingsworths Clam Chowder Recipe". He was a blessing to one and all who ever met him and will be thought about with love always.
Jim & Cindy Chaffin
December 1, 2009
On behalf of the Bethany United Methodist Men, we will miss our friend Jack. He was a dear brother and mentor to many. Jack stood on solid ground and gladly walked the path God was leading him. He touched the heart of young and old alike. He knew that happiness was found by giving of him self. Jack became a mentor to me twenty years ago and never hesitated steering me back on the right path or praising me for remaining on it as he rested a kind hand on my shoulder. Our friend will remain in our hearts for many years to come as we praise him, laugh with him and miss him.
We love you, our brother,
Jim Chaffin
November 30, 2009
Mr. Ellingsworth meant so much to me in my church life and personally. He was truly an inspiration. He will truely be missed.
Love
Amy Cooper (Adamowski)
Elizabeth Linthicum
November 30, 2009
"Mom Joyce" and "brother Spencer" you both know how much Jack meant to me as well as you all do, an extension of my family and my heart. I know that Jack is looking down from heavan and praising you all for everything you did for him. God bless you all!
Lisa Hitt Newman
November 29, 2009
Mr. Ellingsworth will always be Santa to me from our evenings of the family festival at Bethany. Even when I was old enough to know it was him he still made me smile when he walked in the room as Santa and all the kids loved him!
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a dear man and so involved with Bethany Church.
Rosie, Diane, and Thomas Ellingsworth
November 29, 2009
Dear Joyce, Spencer & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. My Dad loved Jack and I believe they are together now shooting the breeze about the old days. We are so sorry that we cannot make it down for the service tomorrow; but please know you will be in our prayers.
Nancy Terrell
November 28, 2009
I remember how the kids at church looked forward to their ride on the tractor with Farmer Jack. His love of children really shined through with his smile. I remember my oldest, Johnny going to sit with Jack and Joyce during the 8:30 worship time. Their love of children and making them feel welcomed has been a gift. Joyce, my thoughts are with you and may you find peace.
Janet Edmondson
November 27, 2009
I worked in the NASA LaRC Machine Shop with Jack for several years. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prays are with his family.
Hazel Adams
November 26, 2009
Dear Joyce -- I'm so sorry to hear of Jack's death. This is such a sad time for any family losses. May you gain strength from our Lord and Savior.
Judy Moughon
November 26, 2009
Dear Joyce,
I read Jack's death notice with sadness this evening. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Spencer.
With Sympathy,
November 26, 2009
Dear Mrs. Ellingsworth,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May the peace of God be in your heart throughout this sad time.
Conveying our deepest condolences,
Bart Barton, Esquire and Mary Allen
Mulkey, Reid & Barton, PLC
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