James Carlton Ellerbe was born on April 25, 1935, in Epps, Louisiana. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on June 26, 2025, at the age of 90, in his home in Monroe, Louisiana.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Earl and Lillie Mae Hood Ellerbe; his son, Darrell Ellerbe; his sister, Lucille Moore; his brothers, J.L. Moore, Harley Ray Moore, and Roy Ellerbe; and his father- and mother-in-law, Martin and Beulah Posey.

James is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Jo Ann Ellerbe; his daughter-in-law, Pam Ellerbe; his daughter, Bethany May, and her husband, Jimmy; his son, Glenn Ellerbe and his wife, Dorie. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brad Ellerbe and wife, Sam; Jeffery May and wife, Caitlin, Chad Ellerbe and wife, Emily, Cameron Ellerbe and Callie Ellerbe; great-grandchildren, Kayla May, Drake May, and Ezra Ellerbe. He is also survived by his last remaining brother, Roger Ellerbe, and wife, Benita; as well as numerous nieces, nephews; and a host of friends.

James worked at Clover Leaf and Foremost Milk Companies, and later served as the Shipping Foreman at Ouachita Fertilizer for 19 years. He retired early at the age of 55 due to an injury on the job.

James enjoyed gardening, yard work, and anything that allowed him to be outdoors. He could often be found sitting outside with his wife, enjoying the flowers they planted and sharing a cup of coffee.  He loved watching westerns—especially The Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, and anything starring John Wayne. A man of faith, James read the Bible through every year. His faith was also lived out as a devoted member of The Pentecostals of the Twin Cities.

James deeply loved his wife and would do anything for her. He was devoted to his children and grandchildren and cherished spending time with them.

Funeral services for James Ellerbe will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, June 30, 2025 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in West Monroe.  Reverend James Warbington will be officiating.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Calhoun, under the care and direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, West Monroe.  A visitation will be held at 1:00 PM until the time of service.

Pallbearers will be Brad Ellerbe, Chad Ellerbe, Cameron Ellerbe, David Jordan, Jerry Moore, and Larry Moore.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Compassus Hospice team for the awesome job they did for caring for James, and to special family members as well.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

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