The mountain area’s newspaper since 1958
WEEK OF APRIL 3, 2025
VOLUME 66 | ISSUE 20
John Ellis
$2
PHOTO COURTESY ANNIE COPPOCK PHOTOGRAPHY
John Ellis, Evergreen’s unofficial mayor, dies at 77 BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The unofficial mayor of Evergreen passed away March 19. John Ellis died peacefully at 77, according to his obituary. A lifelong resident of Evergreen, Ellis was beloved for his upbeat personality, giving spirit and devotion to his community. His obituary notes, “In the end, John’s big giving heart gave out.” A celebration of life for Ellis is from 4-7 p.m. April 9 at the Evergreen Lake House. He leaves behind a grieving community, but one whose residents universally say it is better for having had him in it. “To live in Evergreen is to know John Ellis,” said Nancy Judge, president of the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce. “He was the only and only true mayor of Evergreen, always with a smile on his face and (taking) time to talk to everyone. He was a true ambassador for the entire SEE ELLIS, P5
Gabe James on the set of American Idol, where he performed for the episode that airs this Sunday, March 30.
DISNEY
Former Morrison resident takes the spotlight on ‘American Idol’ Gabe James makes it to next round of long-running show BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As a teenager, former Morrison resident Gabe James skateboarded down the town’s streets singing. The neighbors heard him and told his parents what a beautiful voice he had. “Until then, my parents didn’t even know that I sang,” James said. They do now. James, 23, who plans to make music his career, appeared on the pre-recorded episode of “American Idol” that aired March 30 during the auditions portion of the contest — where there judges deemed
he was talented enough to progress to the next phase of the show in Hollywood. “It was an incredible experience for me, and I’m excited for people to see it,” said James, who performed Bon Iver’s single “Skinny Love,” for judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood. “I felt considerably calm. I definitely had some nerves, but they were truly nerves that come in when you just really care about something. “I’d given myself the time to prepare to where I just knew whatever is meant to happen is going to happen. I leaned on
that comfort.” Because the show hasn’t aired, James can’t reveal the judge’s response. A Denver native, James and his mother, Jodean Spahn, lived in Morrison from 20132019. But his love of music was obvious from a much younger age. “I started banging on guitar when I was 3,” he said. “I would bring it with me everywhere. I remember my dad was playing Van Halen when I was about that age. It gave me this crazy feeling; I just knew I really loved music.” His parents both supported his musical interest. “Until you’re about 7, you can’t really wrap your fingers
VOICES: 10 | SHERIFF’S CALLS: 13 | HAPPENINGS: 18 | PUZZLES: 23
SEE IDOL, P22
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JUVENILE COURT
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