James Wesley Elsea, 77, of Yellville, Arkansas.

James Wesley Elsea, 77, of Yellville, Arkansas, passed away at home on July 17, 2025, with his wife and children by his side. He was born in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, on November 12, 1947, the son of Albert and Frances (Richardson) Elsea.

James was a devoted Christian and family man and always a hard worker who always put the Lord first, family second and his work third and felt deeply it was because of this that God always blessed he and his family.

After graduation from high school, he joined the service and proudly served his country. When he was released from the service, he used the GI Bill to go on to college where he received his AA Degree. After college, he learned many trades from an estate landscaper to a tractor mechanic to brake mechanic to sales in a specialty shop. James was a man of many talents. He was resourceful and a true problem solver. He later started his own painting business that he enjoyed doing. His last job was painting the local hospital where he met Deborah. Unfortunately, his painting career came to an end when he had an accident that crushed his heel. After that he was ready for another change in careers. James studied and completed all the necessary courses and became a Licensed Realtor Broker/Salesman specializing in commercial real estate where he thrived and really enjoyed his work earning the award Centurion Producer for Century 21 two years in a row. James retired after 33 years working for the same broker in Florida.

He met his wife Deborah, the true love of his life after college and before becoming a licensed realtor. They married and had two beautiful children together. His son Lawrence Elsea and his daughter Jennifer Elsea Madrid. James and Deborah rejoiced in both knowing the Lord and enjoyed their children and the family life that they cherished and valued tremendously together.

James spent all his time away from work devoted to his family and being home enjoying his time with them and loved gardening and manicuring his yard. He was very self-motivated who never needed prodded to do anything because he was already thinking ahead and on it, whatever “it” was. He also enjoyed painting art of beautiful landscapes, fishing and even learned some games to play with his family online.

He and Deborah dreamed of retiring to The Ozarks which was his vision since college. Deborah had never been there but trusted him fully and eventually they were able to retire to where he had daydreamed of for so many years. James got to enjoy the beautiful mountains for 8 years.

James and his family made priceless memories over the years and when the time came, he said he was ready and that he had his dreams come true by having a loving wife and family, he had traveled and done everything he had wanted to do and was thankful to the Lord and always gave God the Glory. All the years in real estate he kept Sundays open for the Lord and his family only. He is deeply and truly missed. James was ready to be called home to Heaven and see his dad and mom again.

James was preceded in death by his mother Frances Elsea and his father Albert Elsea. He is survived by his wife Deborah Elsea, his son Lawrence Elsea and his daughter Jennifer Elsea Madrid all living in Yellville, Arkansas. His older sister Sandra (David) Helmick of Winchester, Virginia. His younger sister Patricia (Calvin) Shephard of Gore, Virginia. His youngest sister Barbara (Steve) Spurlock of Virginia. (James and Barbara looked so much alike that many thought they were twins! She would tease him that he was her twin). He loved all his sisters and family members dearly. James also leaves behind his aunt in Leesburg, Virginia and nieces (Janet, Robin, Jaclyn) nephews (Dale, Barry, Trevin, Ram) plus great nieces, nephews and many, many cousins.

A funeral with military honors is scheduled for July 28, 2025, at 1:00PM located at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 South Southwood Rd., Springfield, Missouri 65804.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Diamond State Cremation, located in Lead Hill, Arkansas. Condolences may be made at www.DiamondStateCremation.com.