James D. Ellis
February 22, 1953 ~ March 1, 2018
James “Jim” David Ellis went home to be with his Lord and Jesus Christ on March 1, 2018. He was born in New Braunfels, Texas on February 22, 1953 the second of 5 children born to Lee Ellis and the late James P Ellis Jr.
He was a hard working man, installing and repairing air conditioners and heaters until his health eventually prevented him for continuing to do so. He was married three times which brought many children into his life he considered his own. He has two loving daughters that he would do anything for.
Jim loved to bowl and throughout the years made many friends. Even when his health failed him he continued to bowl at least once a week. It was the one thing he said would bring him enjoyment even when he was feeling pretty crummy. He also greatly enjoyed coaching and umpiring for Little League, teaching many young men throughout the years.
Jim was a Christian though not the kind to attend church on a weekly basis, but he had a perfectly imperfect relationship with his savior Jesus.
Jim’ is survived by his daughters April Drosche and husband David, and Leslie Ellis and partner Bonnie Chilek; step son Tim Paight and wife Susan; grandchildren Aleah Thomas, Michael Thomas, Emalee Drosche, Grace Clark, Autumn Paight and Timothy Paight II.
Jim is also survived by his mother Lee Ellis; siblings Karen Olson (James), Jon Ellis (Elizabeth), Larry Ellis (Laurie), and Laura Bott (Ben) along with numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lux Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Memorial Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of New Braunfels Benevolence Fund or to a charity of one's choice.
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Dad,
Memories, goodness I so many. When I was a little girl I used to think that’s God was so far away. So when I told you that i love you up to God and Back that meant it was really really BIG love! Then there was the movie “Alex” where she would say “Oh my Daddy my Little Daddy” and that then became my name for you.
I love you so much Dad! This is surreal at times. My heart breaks while rejoicing for you and your new home. Your family will really miss you. I’m so glad God made you to be my Daddy, my little Daddy. I’ll love you Up to God and Back forever.
Daddy Jim you will be missed. I remember going to the store and you buying us kids what ever we wanted candy chips soda lol and then those dang paper routes getting up at 3 and rolling papers in that white van as you spead though neiborhoods and I got sick and had to grab a bag to throw up in , called it motion sickness, Then there was us swimming in the rain and getting in trouble, and trips to Houston in the truck , when it wasn’t against the law to sit in the bed of the truck , we had the camper on and a mattress inside and we thought we were cool. There are so many memories of you, I could go on and on. I know the love you had for Ape she was truly your lil mini me. And she loves her Daddy. It will be hard and I will always be here for her. She has gained a awsome angel to watch over her and the kids, Heaven gained a true hero. You were a great Dad, I love you, RIH !!! Forever your Teeni Me
Grandpa, Thank you for being there for me when you didn’t have to be. With a heart so huge you chose to love me and my family unconditionally. I always looked forward to the summer time when you would take us swimming at the island, bungee jumping at Astroworld, or to the Galveston beach. You have a place in my heart forever. Things will not be the same here without you.
Jimbo was my cousin and I remember having so much fun when Dad, Mom, my 3 sisters and I would find any excuse to pile in the car and drive 8 hours from Tulsa to San Marcos to visit the Texas branch of the Ellis Family, and that always included lots of fun playing with our cousins. Jimbo was a little more than a year younger than I. We both had February birthdays, mine on the 11th and his on the 22nd, which is also George Washington’s Birthday…or is it??. I remember one time when I really drove him crazy telling him something I learned about George Washington’s birthday at school. I told Jimbo that George Washington was probably born on MY birthday because when he was born, everyone was using a different calendar than we use now, so the 22nd on our current calendar was the equivalent of the 11th on the older calendar used when George was born. So, told Jimbo, he wasn’t really born on Washington ‘s birthday— I was! That didn’t go over too well and he went to Aunt Lee crying, “Kasey said they changed my birthday, Mom!”
And my favorite memory of Jimbo was when he had ringworm on his head and had to wear a baseball cap all the time. He’d chase all of us around Mama and Papa’s waving his cap around threatening to put it on the head of whichever of us he could catch! Of course there was a loud cacophony of screaming girls running everywhere! Eventually, one of his parents would call out to “Jim David” — it seemed like he was called “Jim David” when he was in trouble (& I unfortunately was the one who was guilty of getting him in trouble most of the time when we visited! What fun that was!)
Kasey Ellis Reiss
Daddy …my daddy . You called me your princess and you were my king.. I used to dance on your feet like beauty and the beast your hands were so ginormous compared to mine … I used to match your breathes while you slept ..your my hero and I never really knew grief until I lost you…I don’t know how to be me without you .. you helped me through some of my darkest days and I hope that you will be with me and April now because these are gonna be the darkest days I have ever had .. I know your probably bowling in that big bowling alley in the sky all strikes I bet … I love you more than you know I wish I could have more time to show you just how much ..I love you so so much may you guide me and watch me until I can dance on your feet again in your big mansion in the sky
Jim, For years we have been bowling with you.. we have traveled so many places… had so much fun, state and national tournaments, casino trips, shared a few beers, talked a lot of sports, and most of all you were a great FRIEND… we miss you already … Thursday March 1st the day you went home.. you and Tom bowled a 300!!! thanks my friend for being “JIMBO”
Gonyer’s
I remember the times we used to spend with the newspapers and with you helping fix my air conditioning in my house. You were a great friend and you will be greatly missed by anyone who ever knew you. Goodbye Jim
Truly sorry to hear of Jim’ passing my condolences to the family especially Jon
Yolanda Morales Rodriguez
When I moved to New Braunfels in 1986, I wanted to go out and meet the community. No better way than to coach Little League baseball. I had the pleasure to assist coaching baseball with Jim in the old National LL. I learned a lot under Jim on how to coach, but the best thing he instilled in me was that the game is ALWAYS for the kids. Winning or losing meant nothing to him, just as long as the kids learn and are happy. He always had a great relationship with the kids and the parents. He showed this when he umpired numerous games over the years. When I decided to start managing teams, he volunteered to be my assistant and made my job a lot easier. I instilled in my coaching style what I learned from Jim. I also bowled with Jim on several bowling leagues. Jim will surely be missed. My prayers to April, Leslie, Lee, Jon, and the rest of his family.
Silly side of Jim
My deepest sympathy to Jim’s Mom Lee, to Larry and the whole Ellis family. My prayers
are with all of you.
Romy Shuler
My condolences to the Ellis families. I’m sorry to hear about the loss of dear James. Some Bible scriptures that have helped me during times of loss include Isaiah 26:19 and Psalm 37:28,29 which says “Your dead ones will live…They will rise up”. And the Bible also says “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will forever reside upon it”. Therefore the Bible promises that we may be reunited with our loved ones lost in death by means of an earthly resurrection. This is further confirmed by John 5:28,29 which states in part: “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out”. This is possible thanks to Jesus Christ’s ransom sacrifice. Thus we have a genuine hope of everlasting life in a world without wickedness or suffering. I hope that these scriptures will be of some comfort to you.
Laura, Larry and Jon, I’m so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He must have been a very special man judging by his children. My thoughts and prayers are with you. M’Lissa (Tiedt) Steel
This was their older brother, my dad. Quite a man indeed. Miss him so much