A family reunion for Jim Ellison was held on Saturday, April 11, 2020, by his loved ones in heaven when he was received into the arms of Jesus. Jim was born on May 1, 1946 to Charles Olan and Delphia Sears Ellison. Jim loved school where he greatly excelled and was a proud graduate with the class of 1965 at Parkersburg High School.
Surviving Jim is his son (pictured above on left), James Stanton (Jimmy) Ellison (who was his greatest gift), of Waverly, WV and Jimmy’s mother, Linda Ellison Poling. Also surviving Jim are his sisters, Emma June Patterson, of Canton, OH, Carolene (Kay) Yeater, of Waverly, WV, Charlotte Ann Bunner, of Mineral Wells, WV, and Susie Ashley (Roger), of Vincent, OH. Also surviving is one brother, Paul (Mick) Ellison (Bonnie) of Parkersburg, WV.
Preceding Jim in death were his parents, one sister, Norma Jean Graves, one brother, Charles Stanton Ellison, and four brother-in-laws, Joseph Graves, Frank Patterson, Lawrence (Larry) Yeater and Bill Bunner.
Jim started his contracting business as a salesman with Corrie building supply in 1966. Later being an outdoor salesman with Scott Lumber.
After the closing of Scott Lumber, Jim then went on to form his own construction company known as: Jim Ellison Builders. A carpenter by trade, he built homes and business buildings in the surrounding areas as well as building log homes from the mountains of WV to the outskirts of NY.
Jim was on the Board of directors at the Don Godbey Fields for years. In honor of his dedication and hard work, a ball field at The Godbey Field on Rayon Drive in named: The Jim Ellison Field. Jim worked tirelessly for the ball leagues so that the youth of Parkersburg and surrounding counties would have a place to hold their games and to play ball. Jim coached several leagues, starting with The Mustangs through the Colt Leagues, where he had the privilege of coaching his son and also coaching All Star teams of the area.
As siblings reminisce backwards, special memories are coming to mind. For his brother Mick, he shares that the fondest memories are when he and Jim were younger and they would play basketball and pitch horse shoes with friends. They bowled on the same league at Ren Dor Lanes and both were loyal fans of the West Virginia Mountaineers. Win or Lose!! The final memory that Jim and Mick shared was that they both had the love of baseball and coaching both their sons together for many years. His sister Charlotte always remembered Jim as one who demonstrated a Mothers heart. Sister Susie agreed with her brother as he paid it forward when one of his customers were not able to financially pay Jim for his construction jobs. As Jim’s elder sister, June remembers fondly that Jim was always there for the underdog, as he was a mentor for many young boys who needed to make a few bucks. A peace maker and a care taker, Jim was willing to share his talents with the younger generation.
All were musicians by heart, a gift given to them by their mother. “Bossy” brother Chuck, Jim, Mick, and Charlotte were the guitar players. Singing along were the rest of the family. Including “free” spirited sister Norma Jean, and his sisters June, Kay and Susie. A special love and bonding like no other are shared within the hearts of these eight brothers and sisters. Jim will be sadly missed by all siblings who are waiting for God’s timing, when Jean, June, Kay, Chuck, Charlotte, Jim, Susie and Mick will be reunited with theirs parents and loved ones.
