James H. "Jim" Ellis

James H. "Jim" Ellis, 79, of Douglasville, GA, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2016, after a courageous 16 year battle with cancer. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 28, 1936 to parents Starling Harry and Delores (Ehmann) Ellis.

Jim grew up in Middletown 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 & 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 and were joined by sons Matthew & Christopher. As a dynamic member of the Monroe community, he served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, and Parks & 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 & 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 20 years of service. Using decades of knowledge in parts & 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 & operated by Michael Touchet and family. He fought the good fight and lived a life filled with hard work, dedication, loyalty & accomplishment and will be missed by all.

Mr. Ellis is survived by his sons, Matthew (Katherine) and Christopher Ellis, both of Douglasville, GA; sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Palmer of Middletown & Joyce Brelsford of Port Orange, FL; grandson, Zachary Ellis of Douglasville, GA; as well as many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 32 years, Gloria Ellis; parents; and brothers-in-law, Raymond Palmer & Mac Brelsford.

Graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 12:30 pm at Woodside Cemetery, 1401 Woodside Blvd., Middletown with Deacon John Lyons officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd., Middletown. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Middletown Combined Honor Guard.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044