I worked as the High School Principal for Dermott High School in Dermott, Arkansas 1998-2001 while Mr. Ellington was the School Board President there. He was a very knowledgeable, patient and wise man who cared deeply for his community and his school district. I remember many Sunday morning breakfasts at the local truck stop right outside of Dermott visiting with and learning from this knowledgeable man. Mr. Ellington enjoyed sharing and always learning. My condolences to his family.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Dear Ms. Ellington (Linda),

You may remember me, my wife and daughter. In April of this year, we paid an unannounced visit on John and you in the hospital in Pine Bluff. You were kind enough to receive us in John’s room. I was very sad to hear of John's passing. You looked so worried and yet hopeful; your love for him was quite evident.

My mother was interned at Jerome during the War. I first met John when I visited the Jerome Relocation Camp site on your property 6 years ago. I was alone taking pictures, and John drove up in his truck to introduce himself, saying "I'll bet your Mama or Daddy were here before." He kindly took me on a tour and invited me into your home to view some mementos from camp. I saw no incentive for him to take care of the site other than his sense of history and the role we all have in it. I'll always remember these things, his kindness and his diligent honoring of the site. It made my trip unforgettable.

When my wife heard of my meeting John, she wanted to visit Jerome as well. It took us 6 years, but we made it. I am glad she got to meet your husband on our way to Jerome. We hope to visit again some day.

With warmest sympathy and highest regard,

Paul H. Hayashi, MD, MPH
University of North Carolina

Friday, May 25, 2012

Our deepest condolences to the Ellington Family upon John's passing. As the former President/CEO of the Japanese American National Museum, I had the opportunity to meet John several times in Arkansas and Los Angeles. One of my fondest memories is my first visit to the Jerome site with John and Dr. Sybil Hampton, preceded by a wonderful lunch at the family business' offices. He contributed so much to the recognition of Jerome and Arkansas as an important part of the World War II history. He had many Japanese American friends who were grateful to John and the Ellington family for their friendship and partnership. My husband, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, who also had the pleasure of meeting John at the Arkansas events, joins me in conveying our sympathy at John's passing. He left an important legacy for which we will always be grateful.
Aloha,
Irene Hirano Inouye
Thursday, May 24, 2012

John was a good man.We met when he was in collage,he visited the Wimpy family and usually a meal,what fun sitting around the table laughing and talking.I wish his family peace and will pray for all of you.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Although I was not in either Jerome or Rohwer camps, I was impressed by Mr. Ellington, first of all by his height next to the Japanese Americans but mostly about what he did for the internees during the war. His modest and warm words showed that the Japanese Americans had friends who remembered him well.

He will be well remembered by those who knew him.

Please accept our deepest sympathies,

Ike & Ruth Hatchimonji
Thursday, May 17, 2012

Kim, Sharon & Family,

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to all for your loss. Even though we did not know John personally, we know what a wonderful man he was and that he was also a friend and mentor to so many people whose lives he touched. Peace and Blessings to all, Jim & Annette Becker
Thursday, May 17, 2012

Dear Linda,
We are so sorry to hear about John.
He was a very good school board member & helped me a lot. He was a good man & good friend.
God Bless,
Jimmy & Ann Jones
Wednesday, May 16, 2012

We shared our childhood and early teen years with John in Jerome, Dermott and various fishing/hunting locations in the area. We were blessed to have his long legs under our dinner table on lots of occasions. Although far too infrequently we maintained contact all these decades. What a wonderful friend! Our sincere condolences.
The Preacher's Kids (Walter E. & Ava Raines)
Jim, David, Tom (Nevada), Janice, Ruth, Eddie
Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Some people are known indirectly, which is mostly how I knew John Ellington. Every time over the years I have passed the Japanese Relocation Internment Camp location in Jerome, I have appreciated John, and his efforts to preserve that site. As, really, I have appreciated him ever since DHS football practice in high school, when he helped the undermanned Rams practice in a rebuilding year, and it took the whole team to tackle him . . .
Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Dear Linda:

John was an incredibly dear and gentle soul. His dedicaton to insuring that the internment of Japanese Americans in Arkansas during World War II would not be forgotten is only part of his enduring legacy.
"Not every hero gets a statue built in the town square. Some have to settle for a more lasting legacy: an overflowing, beautiful tree whose branches are the friends and family of an entire lifetime and whose blooms are memories and lessons and stories and smiles that will never fade."
Tuesday, May 15, 2012