James Earl Ellis was born August 11, 1961, to the union of Earl and Marcerlene Ellis; he was the eldest of seven children. He was a member of King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend F.L Harper. He accepted Christ at the age of 4. He began to play the drums in church when he was just 8 years old. Once James became an adult, he became a Deacon and bass player at King Solomon. He was like a father to a lot of the youth. James received his formal education at Green Bay Elementary School, Fritsche Middle School and graduated from Hamilton High School in June of 1979. He joined the Marines Corpse on July 20th, of that same year. James was honorably discharged in 1984.
In 1986, James married and to that union 3 children were born. He was employed by Rank and Son for many years. He left to start his own detail shop in 2000; On the Ball Auto Detailing. On the Ball Auto Detailing was open from 2000 – 2004. In 2004, he became a car salesman. Later in life, James became a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church where he was a minister and Sunday School teacher under the leadership of Pastor John K. Patterson. In 2005, he married Quida Brown; to that union, 1 child was born.
During James’ life, he did many things that he loved. One day James picked up a guitar and began to play; the rest was history. He was a man of many musical talents. He even played the saxophone at one point in his life. He treasured Saturday basketball games with his family. He also savored the many music sessions in the basement with his brothers. “Make Me Want to Holler” was one of the songs they made. He treasured his family vacations. James and his brothers sang and played pranks on one another on the way to the family reunions in Atlanta. James enjoyed his trips to the Million Man March as well as California.
James passed away on November 28, 2017. He was preceded in death by his father; Earl Ellis, grandmother; Oramae Carter, grandparents; Nellie and Herman Ellis, nephew; Eddie Ellis, Jr. and daughter; Latoya Renee Ellis.
He leaves to cherish his memory; his wife Quida Brown; 6 children: Alexander (Angee), MarQuita (Roosevelt), Tiffany (Dorion), Jasmine, Sharane, Deonte. Siblings: Diane( Henry Lee), Daniel(Debora), Tim, Eddie(Angela), Christopher and Andre. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Visitation at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 5277 North 36th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM. Service to follow at 12:00 PM. Burial at Graceland Cemetery.