Ellsworth R. James, 91, of Chambersburg died Nov. 2, 2011, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield.Ellsworth R. James, 91, of Chambersburg died Nov. 2, 2011, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield.
He was born Nov. 29, 1919, in Jacksonville, the son of Dr. Ray E. and Mary Bush James. He married Bertha Rethorn on Aug. 9, 1961, in Beardstown. She survives.
Also surviving are several cousins.
He was a member of United Methodist Church in Perry. He sang in the church choir until he was age 89.
He was a member of Chambersburg Senior Saints. He played the saxophone and accordion.
He was a 1946 graduate of Shurtleff College in Alton.
He was a member of Pike/Calhoun Retired Teachers' Association and Illinois Teachers Association.
He had taught at Bement and Ameokee, Fla., schools and retired in 1975 after 25 years teaching at Astoria Elementary School, Astoria Community School District #1 in Astoria.
Services were held Saturday at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Rev. Dave Kelly and Karma Webel officiating. Burial was at Wilson Cemetery in Perry.
Memorials may be made to his family or Perry United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to info@nieburfh.com.