Jerry Joseph Ellixson

A man’s, man. A manly man. From his boots to his bald head. From his beard to his rough hands, Joe Ellixson was the kind of man that is in rare supply today. Even more rare since his passing on Wednesday, September 29th, 2021. Joe was the kind of man who loved his wife of 20 years, Heather very deeply. The kind of man who loved his children, Alexis (21) and son Joseph (13) with a love that drove him to do anything and everything for them at any time. He recently became a grandpa to Azalea Rose and was over the moon for this baby! Anyone who knew Joe, also knew he loved his momma, Sandy Dale. Joe was the type of family man that you could call when you needed help. When you needed some tech support or trouble shooting for just about any mechanical issue, Joe was not only willing, but able. He was a wizard when it came to fixing things.

Joe has been walking with the Lord for over 13 years and now gets to see Him face to face. Joe and Heather are members of the Journey and prior to the pandemic, he would serve faithfully in Journey Kids as a large group coach. For those of us who knew Joe prior to his conversion, knew a different Joe. The Lord was gracious in changing Joe’s heart from who he was, to the God-fearing, devote family man that we all loved so dearly. He was 51 years old.

Growing up in Central Florida, long before the internet era, Joe did the usual things for kids his age. He mowed lawns for money, rode his bike everywhere, and even played football for his high school, Edgewater High School in College Park, FL. He had lots of friends and always looked out for his little brother. At an early age, Joe understood that in order to get things that he wanted, he had to work for it and save his money. And he did just that. Once he had a family, his work ethic improved yet again. It was always family first and Joe second. Whatever his family needed always came before his own needs. Joe worked so hard to provide for them in ways that he didn’t have when he was growing up. And he did it lovingly and willingly.

When his children were old enough, he introduced them to the world of dirt bikes. This was his passion! He loved anything to do with dirt bikes. He could ride them, talk about them, watch countless videos with them, anything to do with dirt bikes. Even though he loved this hobby, it never came before his family. Prior to his passing, he hadn’t ridden his bike in over a month because his spare time was devoted to what the family needed. Another prime example of his heart for his family. That was who he was.

Loving, sacrificial, compassionate, selfless, hardworking, funny, intelligent, giving, helpful, talented, respectful, wise, strong, loyal, caring, handy, creative, protective, proud, handsome, honest, teachable, innovating, humble, gracious, merciful, forgiving, and so much more! These words only scratch the surface in describing the kind of man Joe was. We know the Lord’s timing is perfect, but still ache at the loss of his presence here on earth. We have the blessed hope of one day being reunited with him in the presence of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Joe was 51 years old and is survived by his wife Heather, daughter Alexis, son, Joseph, granddaughter Azalea Rose, mother Sandy Dale, sisters Theresa Hall and Melissa Ellixson, brother Tim Ellixson, nieces Kristen Ellixson, Mia Hall, Chris Hall, Mya McCrory, and nephews Tre Hall and William Macgregor. We all will miss you in different ways for different reasons but certainly not in different amounts. We were all better people because you were so influential in our lives. We are eternally grateful for him and long for the day to see him again. “When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!”

Memorial service will be held at the Journey – Orange City Campus, located at 975 E Graves Ave, Orange City, FL 32763 on October 12th at 6pm. Come as you are!