J. Ellis Jackson, 95, a retired public schools music teacher, died Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005, at Stoneybrook Retirement Community, Manhattan. He was born May 20, 1910, in Ottawa, the son of James Bush and Olive May (Jones) Jackson. He was born and raised in Ottawa, and attended grade and high school, then Ottawa University where he graduated in 1933 with a bachelor of arts degree. He attended Northwestern University in Chicago, and later the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., where he received a master of music education degree in 1954. Mr. Jackson was a public school teacher for 34 years. He taught in Deer Creek, Okla., and in the Kansas towns of Kismet, Jetmore, Meade and Assaria, and the last 25 years of his career in Wichita at East and West high schools. He retired from West High School as head of the music department. 

On June 9, 1935, Ellis and Freda Heath were married at her farm home near Liberal. They met when they were attending Ottawa University, and were married by Dr. Warren P. Behan, president of Ottawa University. Mr. Jackson was raised in a Christian home by devoted parents where he was taught Christian values, which he cherished all through his life. His name was added to the Cradle Roll list at First Baptist Church, Ottawa, when he was only two days old. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the Ottawa church until marriage. He was a member of the Old Manor Baptist Church in Wichita from 1960 to 2000, when he joined First Baptist Church in Manhattan. He was director of music at the First Presbyterian Church, Wichita, and for 15 years was a tenor soloist at the First United Methodist Church, Wichita. 

Through the years Mr. Jackson was devoted to the Kiwanis service club, whose motto is "we build." He first joined in Meade in 1936. In 1945, he joined Downtown Kiwanis Club of Wichita, and maintained perfect attendance for 53 years. He has held most offices in his club and advanced to lieutenant governor of Division VII, then became governor of Kansas District of Kiwanis in 1966. Later he was appointed to the office of Kansas District Secretary and served six years in that capacity. He has served on several international committees and was director of Council and Convention Music at the 1968 International Kiwanis Convention, which was held in Toronto, Canada. 

Mr. Jackson sang first tenor in the Downtown Kiwanis Quartet and the Wichita Kiwanis Chorus for more than 30 years. Of note is the fact that his quartet and chorus performed at five international Kiwanis conventions, including an appearance at the Hollywood Bowl. These groups appeared hundreds of times over much of mid-America. He was past president of the University Club of Wichita and had served on the Board of Civic Music for many years. His hobbies included woodworking and carpentry. He and his family did much to assist in the building of the home where they lived for nearly 50 years in Wichita. In his basement workshop he worked with antique wood, and made several clocks from the black walnut wood which had been the kitchen table that his grandparents bought when they married in 1874. 

"America the Beautiful" was a favorite song for both Mr. and Mrs. Jackson . They loved this country, traveled in 49 states (all except Alaska) and had traveled some abroad, but always concluded that America is the most beautiful and best place in the world. (Manhattan Mercury, November 27, 2005)

Memorial: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=12538907

Teachers Tell Changes (West Word, January 15, 1965)

Pep Club Chooses Gold Middies (West Word, March 10, 1967)

West has 20 faculty members who have been here since the school opened in 1953.

In the Business Department, Mr. James Dye, now vice-principal, was head of the department. Miss Evelyn Thompson was head of the English department while Mr. Glenn Blakemore taught speech.

Mrs. Verla Griffiths and Miss Helen Throckmorton urged students to write and read literature.

In the Homemaking section of the school, Mrs. Majel Nighswonger gained reigns to head the department.

Being assistant principal and providing guidance and counseling kept Mr. Harold Froning occupied.

Industrial Education had two new instructors, Mr. H.D. Horton and Mr. K.W. Hunter, who taught mechanical drawing.

Mr. Ellis Jackson headed the vocal music department programs. In physical education for boys, Mr. Sumner Roberts was a new instructor. Miss Ruth Frey assumed duties in girls gym.

The Social Studies Department has all of the remaining teachers, Mr. Kenneth Beall, Mr. Robert Estill, Miss Esther Lewis and Miss Alice Turley. Mr. Ralph McCune was head custodian.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/notes/lyndon-drew/teachers-tell-changes/925130637544013