James & Lisa: The Love Story


In 2022 I had the honor of creating a portrait drawing for a dear family friend. Most of my work, including portraiture work, revolves around mental health, cognitive disorders, and loss. This portrait, however I may wish it to be outside of the scope of my work, was created in remembrance of the loss of our dear friend James Ennis. 

This portrait took time to finish, nearly a year of slow progress from 2021-2022, using Lyra oil-based color pencils. The measurements are 18x24, with a one-inch matte border. James and Lisa both worked at Disney World for a long time and I made sure to add the Magic Kingdom castle in the clouds, encapsulating their years of marriage. 

Below I share their story, as written by one of Lisa's dearest friends. 


"I can vividly remember the first time Lisa and I laid eyes on James Ennis!   We were at the Snack Shack.  I don’t remember her words exactly but I would bet it included “hunka hunka burnin’ love”, or “yeah baby!”    And I’m sure we giggled like the two giddy little teens we were. 

He had walked out the hall doors by the gymnasium. There were other students with him, but he was definitely NOT like the other students!  As a matter of fact, the sun ONLY shone down on him!  We could ONLY see him!  His long sexy hair swayed as he walked his full-grown man body over by the gym.  This was not your average teenage boy!

Within a month or so it was obvious that James had his eye on Lisa. The next thing I knew he had stolen my best friend’s heart…for life!

Lisa says they met in high school when James’ family moved to Florida from Kentucky.  It was his Senior year, 1980. But I believe these two were written in the stars. Their souls have known each other for many lifetimes. Whichever is true, there is no doubt “it was meant to be”.  Those were Lisa’s words, and she was right. Their story had been written long long ago. 

Lisa remembers Proms and Grad nights. I remember the way she literally swooned when speaking of him.  They were in love.  Whatever “love” is when you’re a teenager, they had it! 

James joined the army right out of high school. He was an M.P.  First he was in Kansas, and then Germany. Eventually, he made his way back to her. The love of his life!

June 8, 1982, they officially became Mr & Mrs. James Walker Ennis. 

Their marriage was mostly great, but like any other marriage, it had its ups and downs.  They worked hard the first few years to make their love last. Three children later, their commitment and hard work really showed.  They loved deeply and eternally.  They loved wholeheartedly without reservations.  It was the real kind.

Lisa says James was that man in the love song every woman wanted. We all have that one song that bubbles up emotions to our eyes and leaves streaks of yearning down our cheeks.  He was that love, he was that song.

“He was an old soul and a cowboy at heart”.  “If you were his friend…well you were his
             family”.

August 18 2021 James was called home to glory.  Lisa misses him so badly that she physically hurts. Through her pain, she can still feel his love from beyond, and she sends him her love right back. 

This is one of the many reasons why I believe their love story has not ended. I just know their story is of a love that lasts through all eternity, from the earth to the heavens.

In my mind I can hear James saying “I’ll be waiting for you, Lisa” …and he will"

-Missy Nott-Powell

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