James Junior Ellison, better known as “Smoke,” was born in Waynesboro, Georgia on October 30, 1954, and he passed away riding down the streets of Louisiana on March 21, 2024 at the age of 69. He grew up riding his bike and grew old doing the same.
Preceded in death by his mother, Mary Magdalene Bynes Ellison, father, Willie James Ellison, and sister, Gwen Ellison, James is survived by his loving wife Joyce Ellison of 45 years. He served 30 years in the USAF and retired as an Air Reserve Technician Master Sergeant. He spent his retirement years tinkering with new projects to make his house the home his ever-growing family spent their favorite days in along with earning his associate degree.
He leaves behind a legacy of love as a dedicated father of Leroy and wife Maranda, Shanel and husband Danny, and Sherese and husband Steve, and brother to Rogers Cooper, Desalene Cooper, Willie Mae Cooper, Edwina Ellison, and Charlie
Ellison.
“Grandaddy” to Kia, Devin, Antonio, Skylar, Teja, Eric, Blake, Adrian, Cody, Whitney, Savanna, Brandon, Caleb, Ava, Jadyn, and Chloe and great-grandchildren Rorii, Keon Jr “KJ”, Jaylen, Israel, Gia, and Nuri who will carry his fierce spirit of family and hard work.
Pallbearers include Leonard Washington, Gary Ball, Steve Pamplin, Danny Stutzman, Brandon Stutzman, and Keon Coleman.
James will be remembered for his infectious smile, generous heart, how his steel ways could melt away with his grandkids, and his unwavering love for his people. He touched the lives of all who knew him and was family to so many others unlisted. To James, family was forged from actions, not just blood. There was no stranger to his home and no empty hand or belly that left it. He leaves behind a legacy of open arms that will be cherished forever.
Services in his honor will begin with a Visitation, between 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm, with the Funeral Following at 2:00, at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, Thursday, March 28, 2024. Interment will be in the Hill Crest Memorial Park.
In lieu flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association.
