Jimmie Louis "Papa" Ellison

1940 - 2025

Jimmie Louis "Papa" Ellison, 84, of Jal, NM, was born on November 7, 1940, in Clovis, NM, to L.V. "Blackie" Ellison and Delmer Ellison, passed away on March 23, 2025. He was nearly a lifelong resident of the Jal community.
Portales, NM, was his home for the first 18 years of his life and where he graduated high school. On his 18th birthday, he joined the Marines and was sent to San Diego for boot camp, infantry training and reported to duty. After 4 months in the hospital with severe medical conditions, he was medically discharged. During the following year, he attended ACC and Eastern New Mexico University.
At the end of that year, he moved to Jal, NM, where his parents had relocated, and began his spanning career in the oilfield. Another monumental life event occurred when he met the love of his life, Melba Webb, who he lovingly referred to as the "cute blonde next door". They were married on August 24, 1961, and had two very special sons, Mack and Roy. They celebrated 62 years of beautiful marriage.
Jim was very passionate about his career. His expertise was highly respected in the industry and amongst his peers. He spent his career working for several companies, including Pure Oil, Unocal, Sabine, and Apache Corporation, where he retired as a District Manager. He truly cherished the lifelong relationships that were established throughout his career.
Jim was deeply committed to civic engagement. He served on the School Board, the Hospital District Board, and anything dedicated to Veterans and Veteran organizations. His commitment extended to politics as a member of the Jal City Council for many years.
Jim was a renowned "storyteller" and an encyclopedia of history regarding the oilfield and Veteran's related information. If you had the pleasure of knowing him, you probably had a nickname. He felt privileged to have the opportunity to pursue his love of hunting and fishing in locations throughout the world. Some of his fondest memories included safari trips to Africa, where he was joined by Melba and their dearest friends Jim and Andi Mason, who also shared countless other travel adventures. It did not matter if it was on a beach in Hawaii or an antique store in a tiny town where they could find treasures. Jim's travels spanned over a total of 18 countries
He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He regarded his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as life's most significant accomplishment.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife: Melba Ellison; parents: Blackie and Delmer Ellison; and son: Jimmie Mack Ellison.
He is survived by his son: Roy Ellison and wife Teresa of May, TX; daughter-in-law: Shawn Ellison of Midland, TX; grandchildren: Jason Perry, Kylie Ellison, Justin Ellison and wife Briana, Braden Ellison and wife Beth, and Shayla Ellison and partner Colby Carruth; great-grandchildren: River, Avery, Raelyn, Jayden, Jaylee, and Stetson; and great-great-grandchild: Evan.
A funeral service will be held 1:00 pm MST, Friday, March 28, 2025 at Jal Church of Christ with burial following at Jal Cemetery officiated by Terry Hill. Pallbearers will include: Justin Ellison, Roy Ellison, Jason Perry, Colby Carruth, Braden Ellison, and Jim Mason. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Swain, Mike Orr, Rick Miller, Mike Webb, and Johnny LaLonde.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marine Corp Scholarship foundation.
Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor and condolences may be sent to the family at www.fs-fp.com.