GERALD “JERRY” EUGENE ELLIS, SR.
January 3, 1944 – March 24, 2025

Gerald “Jerry” Eugene Ellis, Sr. was born on January 3, 1944, in Montrose, Colorado, to Leo Wilson and Vera E. (Brassfield) Ellis. He passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, in Montrose, Colorado.

Jerry grew up in Montrose and throughout Colorado’s Western Slope. He attended Adams State College, where he earned both a BA, MA and D Certificate. Jerry spent over 40 years as an English teacher, vice principal, and assistant superintendent, making a lasting impact on generations of students across the state. Known for his dedication, passion, and ability to connect with young people, Jerry shaped the lives of thousands. In 2002, he retired from teaching—and in recognition of his extraordinary contributions, he was named Teacher of the Decade. Governor Bill Owens honored him with a proclaimed “Jerry Ellis Day,” and a street was named after him to celebrate his legacy.

In addition to his work in education, Jerry was also a writer. He self-published a book titled The Forgotten Frontier: Life on the Western Slope, which he shared with his family. The book reflected his love for history and his passion for teaching.

Sports were a major part of Jerry’s life from an early age. He played nearly every sport growing up in Montrose and earned a sports scholarship to Adams State, excelling in both football and track—where he still holds school records. After college, Jerry was invited to attend the Dallas Cowboys’ preseason training camp. As the story goes, if he hadn’t been injured, he would’ve made the team and become a Dallas Cowboy NFL football player—one of his favorite tales to tell.

Jerry brought his love of athletics into his career as a coach. He began coaching football, basketball, and track at Lake County Middle School, and later joined several high school coaching staffs that won 5A Colorado High School Football Championships. He also served as a football referee for college and university games throughout the state. A lifelong sports fan, Jerry never missed a chance to root for his favorite teams—the New York Yankees, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and the Colorado Buffaloes. One of his fondest memories was playing pickup basketball with friends Paul and Nuggets legend David “Skywalker” Thompson.

Of all his accomplishments, Jerry was most proud of his family. His greatest joy came from marrying his best friend, Estella Urioste, and raising their three children: Jerry Jr., Sean, and Lisa. He cherished family time, loved telling Ellis family stories, and was always happiest spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jerry will be remembered as a man of integrity, warmth, and strength—a beloved teacher, coach, mentor, best friend, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.

He is survived by his best friend, Estella Urioste of Colorado Springs, Colorado; his three children: Gerald Eugene Ellis Jr. of Colorado Springs, Sean Ellis of Highlands Ranch, and Lisa Marie (Ellis) Norte of Leander, Texas; his grandchildren: Arista (Ellis) Tafoya and Gerald Eugene Ellis III, both of Colorado Springs; and his great-grandchildren: Santana Tafoya and Eliana Tafoya, also of Colorado Springs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Wilson and Vera E. (Brassfield) Ellis of Montrose, along with his grandparents and many beloved aunts and uncles from both the Ellis and Brassfield families.

Jerry’s life was a true testament to service, love, and dedication and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.