James Mitchell Ollis, Jr.

James Mitchell Ollis, a native and lifelong Mobile resident, passed away on November 5, 2024. He was known throughout his long life as J.M., Jim or Jimmy but his proudest title was “Potts” to his 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was born January 24, 1932 to James Mitchell (Mitch) and Lottie Mae (Malone) Ollis. J.M. attended St Joseph Catholic School, McGill Institute, where he was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame and was a graduate of Spring Hill College. While pursuing his degree from Spring Hill College he served in the US Armed Forces and played baseball with the Mobile Bears. He went on to play professional baseball with the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies organizations.

J.M. married Mary Elizabeth (Bibi) Pennington and after his baseball career, returned to Mobile where his children were born and raised. He was a very active volunteer in youth sports and shared his athletic knowledge and skills with so many young players while coaching basketball and baseball teams at Corpus Christi Catholic School and Matthews Park.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 51 years, Bibi, his cousins Delores (Loie) Malone Glazner and Ted Malone.

J.M. is survived by his children Mike Ollis (Trattie) of Mobile, Dan Ollis (Hal) of Los Angeles, Kevin Ollis (Debbie) of Mobile, Kathy Ollis Barnett of Mobile and Jennifer Ollis Lindsey (Richard) of Elberta, Al.

J.M. was richly blessed with grandchildren KK Ollis, James Ollis, Keefe Ollis, Liz Ollis Harrison, Alicia Ollis, Lois Elizabeth Ollis Dickson, John Ollis, Charlie Ollis, Sarah Barnett, Emily Barnett Albert, Adam Lindsey and many precious great grandchildren. He also leaves behind many family and friends and a very dear and generous friend and neighbor, Robert Payne.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Saads Hospice for their tender care of their father, especially Lauren and Katie. Also many thanks to CreekWood Church of Christ for their meal ministry and prayerful attention.

In lieu of flowers, J.M. would be honored by donations made to any one of his favorite charities - Wounded Warrior Project, ASPCA, Salvation Army, St. Jude or Catholic Charities.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Saads Hospice for their tender care of their father, especially Lauren and Katie. Also many thanks to CreekWood Church of Christ for their meal ministry and prayerful attention.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, J.M. would be honored by donations made to any one of his favorite charities - Wounded Warrior Project, ASPCA, Salvation Army, St. Jude or Catholic Charities.

Arrangements are by Ascension Funeral Home, 1016 Hillcrest Road, Mobile, Alabama 36695