James H. Ellison

Jim passed away at home on Oct 6, 2013, his prayers to be taken Home and end his suffering finally answered just two days before his 75th birthday. He was born in Spartanburg, SC on Oct 8, 1938, and remained in SC until he joined the Army in 1955 at the age of 17. He served 21 yrs, with two tours in Vietnam, where he indirectly gave his life for his country, having been exposed to Agent Orange, which caused the cancers which ultimately took his life. After retirement from the army, he worked many years for various defense contractors, utilizing the electronics skills he learned during his military service.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Pat, his daughter Donna Travis (Art), his son Erick (Kathleen), his three grandsons, Everett & Rigel Travis, and Kevin Ellison, brothers Lloyd and Roy Ellison, sister Lucille Petty, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his father Howard Ellison, mother Adell Heaton, son David, sister Arlene Kay, and brother Tommy.

Special thanks to his caregivers and to Hospice, who made Jim’s wish to die at home possible, and to his good friends Bob Christy and Homer Marsh, who were there for him nearly every day of the last month of his life, keeping him company, bringing him food and drinks, and running errands for both him and his wife.