James Heustess

James Ellis Heustess, known to family and friends as Ellis, 83, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away at home on September 26, 2025.

Ellis was born on June 10, 1942, in Clarkton, North Carolina, the son of James Howard Heustess and Luphelia (Lennon) Heustess. He graduated from Whiteville High School in 1960 and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technology from Gaston Technical Institute in March 1963.

He moved to Albuquerque in April 1963 after being recruited by Sandia Corporation (now Sandia National Laboratories). Joining Sandia on April 8, 1963, Ellis began a distinguished 41-year career. He was very well known at the Labs for his work in turning new concepts into operational, field-ready systems.

In the 1980s, Ellis worked in the area of safeguards and security communications. One of his projects developed a new system to train the nation's nuclear security forces to detect and respond to covert jamming of their communications networks. His work strengthened the resilience of critical systems and prepared security teams to counter real-world threats.

In the 1990s, Ellis became widely regarded as a point man for emerging communications technology, particularly satellite communications and GPS applications. During this time, he led a groundbreaking $5 million government program to develop a combined GPS tracking plus satellite communications system. This system allowed government aircraft and vehicles to be tracked worldwide and was among the earliest applications of GPS for real-time, global security purposes.

Ellis was a wealth of knowledge and always ready to explain technical information, helping others understand electronics, computers, and communication systems. He shared this gift both at work and outside of work, generously mentoring, troubleshooting, and teaching whenever asked.

Ellis retired on June 10, 2004, as a Principal Member of the Technical Staff (PMTS) and Project Leader in satellite communications, leaving a legacy of technical achievement and national service.

Ham radio sparked Ellis' love of communications technology. At age 17, he was first licensed as KN4JDC (novice) in Clarkton, NC. He spent the next 66 years on the air building life-long friendships and finding joy in the community of amateur radio. In 1960 he upgraded to conditional license K4JDC. Per FCC rules, his move to New Mexico required a new callsign and he became W5MZM, which became known by the lighthearted phonetic "Whiskey 5 Many Zany Monkeys." In 1982 he upgraded to an advanced license, which he held until his passing. Ellis' first wife, Donna, held callsign WB5GFC, and his daughter, Lori, holds KC5TOB.

Ellis also had a lifelong love of gardening. He grew many vegetables over the years, especially tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and eggplant. He enjoyed taking care of flowers that brightened his yard. He started his tomato plants from seed, sharing them, and his gardening knowledge, with others. In later years, he enjoyed experimenting with hydroponic gardening, raising lettuce and other greens. He was happy sharing his harvest with neighbors and friends, always giving generously from his garden.

After relocating to Albuquerque in 1963, Ellis married Donna (Eidson) on December 25, 1963. They shared 50 years together until her passing in 2014 and raised one daughter, Lori Heustess. In 2016, Ellis found love again and married Marcia Salazar; they shared nine wonderful years.

Ellis will be remembered for his devotion to family, his innovative contributions to communications technology, his willingness to share knowledge, and his passions for ham radio and gardening. His steady presence, precision, and mentoring nature touched the lives of many friends, neighbors, and colleagues alike. He will be deeply missed.

 He is survived by his wife, Marcia, his daughter, Lori, and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Donna.

He was a long-time member of Sandia Presbyterian Church. He loved Jesus.