Jonathan Kim Ellis

Jonathan Kim Ellis, 71, of Gilbert, WV was born March 2, 1954, in Iaeger, WV. On July 30, 2025, Kim rested in the arms of Jesus, the One he loved the most.

Kim was the eldest son of the late Jackie “Jack” Coogan Ellis and Delilah Cline Ellis. He graduated from Gilbert High School, Class of 1972. He was proud to make known that he lettered in all three sports his senior year, which later in life gave him his athlete’s heart. He then furthered his education in auto and diesel mechanics at Nashville Auto-Diesel Mechanic College. Upon graduation, he returned to Gilbert and began his coal mining career. He worked forty-four years as a mining electrician. He retired from underground coal mining in 2018. He enjoyed a brief retirement of 4 years until he decided to rejoin the workforce for Alpha Metallurgical Resources where he wired panels for mining equipment. This only proved his unwavering dedication to the coal mining industry and his passion to work hard.

Kim married the love of his life, Connie Jean Simpson, in 1983. Their love was a quiet strength, rooted in faith, and built on years of shared joy, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. As husband and wife, they walked hand in hand through life-side by side in trials, laughter, and prayer. Together they built their life with their two daughters, Rebekah and Candice. Through his example, he showed his daughters how to love with fierce devotion, serve faithfully within the body of Christ, and carry themselves with unwavering integrity and a steadfast work ethic.

Kim was a man with a quiet nature, but his girls can assure you that when he spoke one was sure to listen intently. He imparted great wisdom and was always quick to interject with his witty personality. Kim loved giving to others, whether it be in the act of serving others or buying gifts. There was nothing he couldn’t fix or build. With an engineering and creative mind, he enjoyed spending his time working on projects around the house and teaching his sons-in-law the tricks of his trade. He was truly the jack of all trades and the master of many. Kim was always ready for an adventure. He rode any roller coaster his girls were brave enough to try, enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds, and absolutely loved reclining in a chair on the beach with his family by his side.

The greatest years of his life came to fruition when he was called Papaw. Papaw loved his grandchildren with all his heart. He was always willing to do anything they asked of him. Whether it be bringing Kiara Big League Chew, playing with LOL dolls in his best girl voice with Jaclyn, adding items to Isaac’s various collections, or buying Kendall her favorite dark chocolates. It was always important to him to teach his grandchildren how to swim at an early age. Another skill he was simply a master of. The moment the kids learned to swim, he beamed with pride.

Kim is survived by his wife, Connie; daughter, Rebekah Cline (Anson) of Teays Valley, WV; daughter, Candice Stacy (Ronnie) of Gilbert, WV; granddaughters Jaclyn and Kendall Stacy and Kiara Cline; grandson Isaac Cline; in laws Leonard and Jean Simpson; aunt Dimple Kay Voigt: his A#1 girl, Jeanna Bradford, as well as many friends and extended family members and former co-workers.

Kim is preceded in death by his parents, brother Jeffrey Keith Ellis, maternal grandparents Ott and Allie Cline, and paternal grandparents Alex and Hazel Ellis.

A celebration of Kim’s life will begin Sunday, August 3, 2025, beginning at 6 pm at Mounts Funeral Home in Gilbert. Friends may visit and share their memories at this time until 9 pm. Funeral services will commence the following day on Monday, August 4, 2025, at noon. Services will be officiated by Rev. Ralphy Manuel, Rev. Parish Harvey, Rev. Louie Vanover, and Bishop Anthony Hudgins.

Honorary pallbearers are Wayne Ellis, Chandos Peak, Edmond Grimmett, Glen Gravely, Leonard Simpson, Jr., Heath Bradford, Tony Blankenship, Walt Cline, Danny Murphy, Jimmy Cline, Dennis Roberts, Donnie Stepp, and Tyrone Stepp. Kim will be carried to his fleshly resting place by pallbearers: Jody Ellis, Travis Ellis, Justin Salmons, Joshua Blankenship, Jarrett Simpson, Keith Poe, Kenny Trent, Derek Roberts, and Caleb Lester.

We find comfort in knowing Kim’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught so many, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

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