James Lee Ellis, Sr. – passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Portland, OR surrounded by (some) family at the age of 76.

He was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Elizabeth Irene (Hutchisson) and Alcee Louis Ellis, one of nine children.

He served in the US Air Force, NJ Police, but spent a majority of his career in construction.

He loved eagles, humor, classical music, tall tales, golf, coffee (drowned in cream and sugar), long-winded one-sided conversations, history, blowing up toilets, sleep, and TV. He fancied himself many things, some of them real. He was always cold and yet refused to wear enough to keep him warm. A man with a sophisticated palette, his favorite foods were banana cream pie, peanuts, Panda Express, Albertson’s chicken, and burnt bacon and eggs.

He is survived by his seven children, Tammy, James, Jr., Michael (former favorite), Desiree, Amanda, Justin (his favorite), and Rebecca, ten grandchildren (including his favorite—Noah, and least favorite—Ayden), one great grandchild, and four sisters. He has two ex-wives; both of those witches managed to outlive him and are single and ready to mingle.

He joins his parents, four siblings, and great-grand child in heaven.