Agency USA

With sadness we report that Jim Ellis, photographer, co-owner of Agency USA and loyal friend to so many, passed away on Monday night, June 13, 2011, in his hometown of Port Gibson, MS.

Jim succumbed to myriad health complications after more than two months of hospitalization. During that time, he maintained until the end, a fighting spirit and optimism that he would prevail and continue his career.

More than just a career, photography and photojournalism were Jim Ellis' total passion, focus and dedication for his entire adult life. His accomplishments are many and impressive and include both private enterprise and public interest works. He traveled much of the world, including news hot spots such as the Middle East and Panama, as well as Australia, which was one of his favorites.

He attended both the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Alabama, where he was active in university publications and sports coverage – especially football and the championship years of legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant in the 1960's.

He did not like politics but possessed a civic-mindedness and sense of public duty much above the average. When appointed to any public office, for however short a term, Jim did not mince words or spare feelings, but spoke his mind and set about steering the ship in the direction he thought it should go.

He loved his country and his home state of Mississippi, and dedicated much of his time and resources to his web site www.positivelymississippi.com , which he supported largely at his own expense.

Jim chose his close friends carefully, but then put them above his personal interests. Though not a wealthy man, he was always willing to share and help whenever and whomever he could. While financial matters were a frequent struggle for him, he always kept them a distant second in priority to what he might accomplish; money was a tool to him, not a goal.

Those of us who knew Jim well will miss him greatly, and our lives are enriched from having known him. Those who never met him missed a truly unique individual, a "one-of-a-kind" type of personality and character who will be fondly remembered always.

Rest In Peace, Jim. You've earned it.