James Ellis Sr.

We celebrate the life of James "Lucky" Ellis Sr. James Ellis was born April 14, 1937 to Joseph and Willie Bee Ellis in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was called Lucky because he was born after four miscarriages making him the seventh child born. At an early age, Lucky accepted the Lord and was baptized under the ministry of Reverend Clifton of Mt. Zion #1 Baptist Church of Vicksburg, MS. Lucky, as he was known to his family, was a devoted son, brother, father and friend to everyone he knew. He worked for several years at CertainTeed Factory and later worked for CEDA both in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Lucky enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved to fish, play golf, play cards and tell stories about his life with his family and close friends. He was a man who wore many hats. He was a strong upright man and a pillar in his community. At times, he was even the family cook serving up his specialty fried fish and spaghetti. Lucky was the neighborhood landscaper, mechanic and repair man. He could fix anything with a nail and duct tape. He would help anyone in their time of need. Lucky had a lot of faith, knowledge, and determination about life's situations. He always said, "Don't worry, everything is going to be all right." He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Willie Bee Ellis; sisters, Barbara J. Jones, Janie Mae Williams and Stella Cason; nephew, Walter Cook; son, Tony Lusk; daughter, Pamela Rose Ellis; and granddaughter, Kenya L. Ellis. James, "Lucky, Tender" Ellis, you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. He leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy, four sisters, Evelyn Gray, Josie Tolliver, Mary Ellis and Juanita Boyd; six children, Kenneth W. Ellis (Dawn), Larry J. Williams (Kristie Diane), James Ellis Jr., Lisa J. Ellis, Marese J. Johnson and Janice Campbell; the mother of his four oldest children, Dorothy M. Ellis; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives in South Bend, IN; his life partner, Mary Johnson; eight step children, Earl, Jeffery, Tanya, Aaron, Daymon, Tameika, Nicole and Bridget; 22 step-grandchildren; 20 step-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to mention.

Tributes

James Ellis Sr.

April 14, 1937 - April 26, 2017