James Ellis killed by roadside bomb

A Yazoo city family is mourning the loss of a fallen soldier. Sergeant James Ellis died in Iraq this week. Now a community remembers the life of this young man.

Betty Rodgers sits holding a picture of her fallen hero, her grandson, Sergeant James Darren Ellis.

Rodgers says "He was a good man. He always did the right thing. He was a good person."

Twenty-five-year old Ellis, a Staff Sergeant, was with the 7th squadron, 10th cavalry, 4th infantry division. He was on patrol in Baghdad on Tuesday October fourth when he and three fellow soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb.

Rodgers says she spoke to him just two hours before it happened. Later that day she received another phone call.

Rodgers says "I told her don't tell me your calling to tell me something happened to my baby. And she said i'm so sorry."

Ellis left in January for his second tour of duty in Iraq. His wife Ulrica and 14 month old daughter Janiayah live in Valdosta, Georgia, and were expecting his return in three weeks.

Rogers says "His life was just starting and I just want him to remember him, that he died serving his country."

Ellis joined the army reserves in 2000 after graduating from the Yazoo City High School. Well-liked and outgoing, he was voted class clown.

Staff and classmates say they remember him well.

Romeka Mack says "Everytime you saw him he was laughing, he was dancing, he was trying to make you laugh."

Yazoo City High School Principal John Wallace says "We wish we could have all our students pattern themselves after James because as far as I'm concerned he was an around student. And we loved him for it."

Rodgers says she is proud of her brave soldier. And she prays everyday that the men and women he fought beside come home safe.

Rodgers adds "It's just a shame, so many of these young boys are leaving their families. It's just horrible. I hate it, but there's nothing we can do about it. All we can do is pray for them, that's all."

A memorial service for Sergeant James Ellis will be held Sunday October 15th in Valdosta, Georgia.

From WLBT 3