James Albert Elliott

  James Albert Elliott, 84, of Portsmouth, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the SOMC Hospice Center. Jim was born on July 13, 1941, in Portsmouth, to the late Maurice Ralph and Martha W. Burkhardt Elliott.

   Jim was a 1959 graduate of Portsmouth High School and a member of Cornerstone Methodist Church. A veteran of the US Navy, he served aboard the USS Mattabesset (AOG 52), a gasoline tanker with the Atlantic Fleet. On October 14, 1961, he attained the rare honor of Golden Shellback, as his ship crossed Latitude 00000 and Longitude 0.0. Following his naval service, he joined the Portsmouth Fire Department in August 1964, where he worked for 46 years. He served as Assistant  Chief from 1981 until his retirement in 2011. Jim had an engaging personality and made friends wherever he went. He especially enjoyed his membership with the El Hasa Shrine in Ashland, KY, and the Hillbilly Clan #1, Outhouse 3. Many will remember him and his late wife, Beulah, riding aboard their Hillbilly jalopy in area parades. Jim was also a member of the James Dickey Post #23 American Legion, and the Aurora Masonic Lodge #48 F&AM, and the Scottish Rite, Valley of Cincinnati. In the summers, Jim and Beulah relaxed at their river home, where they grew a lovely garden and entertained friends. In 2018, he was honored as Grand Marshall of the Portsmouth Memorial Day Parade.

   Jim was preceded in death on February 6, 2018, by Beulah Wolfe Elliott, his wife of 48 years.

   Surviving is his nephew, Pat (Missy) Hutchens of Portsmouth; great-nephew, Andrew Hutchens of Cocoa, FL; and a special cousin, Sue Barnett of South Webster, and her family.

   Jim was also preceded in death by his sister, Linda Hutchens.

   Funeral Services with a Facebook Live Stream will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with interment in McKendree Cemetery. The James Dickey Post #23 American Legion will provide Military Rites. Visit the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home Facebook page to join the Live Stream.

   The family will receive guests on Tuesday from 4-7 P.M. and one hour prior to services on Wednesday at the funeral home. Masonic Services will be conducted by the Aurora Lodge at 7 P.M. on Tuesday at 7 P.M. following the visitation.

   The Portsmouth Fire Department will provide an Honor Guard and Final Alarm service.

   Memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201-25th St., Portsmouth, OH 45662, or Shriners Hospital for Children at shrinerschildrens.org.

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