James Ellis

James “Jim” Ellis, age 79, of Douglasville, Georgia passed away March 9, 2016 after a courageous 16 year battle with cancer.Jim was born August 28, 1936 in Cincinnati, Ohio and grew up in Middletown, OH as a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He was an accomplished athlete at Bishop Fenwick High School (Class of 1954), and went on to play baseball and basketball at the semi-pro level. From 1959-65 Jim served as a tank mechanic at Fort Hood, Texas and married the love of his life, Gloria Mason in 1964. They settled in Monroe, OH and were joined by sons Matthew and Christopher. As a dynamic member of the Monroe community, he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and Parks and Recreation Association. After his time in the military Jim first worked as a machinist at Manchester Machine and moved into heavy machinery at King Equipment Company.In 1980, J.I. Case hired Jim to manage parts for the entire state of Georgia and the family settled in Douglasville where the Ellis' became active members of West Pines Golf and Country Club. It was here that Jim, well known as an avid golfer, competed strongly in the Club’s championships throughout the 80’s. Jim retired from Case with 20years of service. Using decades of knowledge in parts and service, "Mr. Jim" as his business contacts and co-workers knew him, later became a valued member of the American Contractors team in Lithia Springs, owned and operated by Michael Touchet and family. He fought the good fight and lived a life filled with hard work, dedication, loyalty and accomplishment and will be missed by all. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Starling and Delores Ehemann Ellis; brothers-in-law Raymond Palmer and Mac Brelsford; as well as his beloved wife of 32 years, Gloria. He is survived by sons Matthew (Katherine) and Christopher Ellis of Douglasville, GA; sisters Elizabeth “Betty” Palmer of Middletown, OH and Joyce Brelsford of Port Orange, FL; grandson, Zachary Ellis of Douglasville, GA; as well as many nieces and nephews.Visitation for Georgia friends will take place at Jones-Wynn Funeral Home in Douglasville on March 12, 2016 from 10am until 2pm. A hometown visitation will be held at Wilson Schramm Spaulding Funeral Home in Middletown, Ohio on March 15, 2016 from 10am until noon, followed immediately by a graveside service with full military honors at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown.Messages of condolence to the family may be posted at www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements 770-942-2311.