Jimmie B. Ellis, 72, passed away unexpectedly on his birthday, Thursday, March 22, 2007. He was born in Humboldt, Tennessee, to the late Willie and Jennie (nee: Bachelor) Ellis. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pleasant Plains Baptist Church. He graduated from the Madison County School System, and lived all of his childhood and young adult years in Humboldt.

Jimmie relocated to Racine in 1965 where he began a long-term relationship with Ola Anderson that lasted for 20 years. Through the love that they shared between their daughter and grandchildren, they remained close friends. He retired from Belle City Malleable Iron / Racine Steel Castings after working for more than 30 years. Jimmie will be remembered by many for his kind and gentlemanly ways, his infectious smile, and laugh. He was a loving father and grandfather, who found his greatest joys in his family.

Jimmie will be missed by many, and leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters, Yolanda (Isaac) Anderson-Wagner of Racine, and Harriet Martin of Nashville, Tennessee, Valerie Davis of Buffalo, New York; sons, Terry Martin of Atlanta, Georgia, Timothy Davis, and Fernando Davis both of Buffalo; stepson, Philip (Charlene) Anderson of Lacey, Washington; 2 grandchildren, Raijene Wagner and Isaac Wagner II; step-grandson, Marquon Anderson all of Racine; his sisters, Ora Lee Stinson of Jackson, Tennessee, and Lou Ella Johnson of Humboldt; sister-in-law, Ezell Ellis of Racine; and brother-in-law, Charlie Anderson of Humboldt; uncle, James D. Ellis ; and special friend, Willie Mae Jordan both of Racine. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Earl Ellis, Johnnie Ellis, and Willie Strayhorn; his sister, Elnora Anderson; and sister-in-law, Lena Ellis.

Homegoing services will be held on Friday, March 30, 2007 at 2nd Missionary Baptist Church (1250 Lathrop Avenue) beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Daryn Crenshaw officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5 – 7 p.m., and on Friday in the church from 10 – 11 a.m.