James Patrick Ellis was born on October 23, 1957 in El Dorado Kansas, to Gene and Ethel Ellis. He passed away in his sleep on September 23, 2019 in Sahuarita, Arizona.
Jimmy spent a few years in Braman and Tonkawa, Oklahoma before the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. His youth was marked by a love of cars. He spent many hours alongside his big brothers Ken and Hal, and his dad, working on cars in the garage. In seventh grade, he tore around the neighborhood in a go-kart he built from scratch. Later, he drove Camaros and Ford pickups. Jim Pat graduated from Widefield High School in 1976 and the University of Southern Colorado in 1980. While in college, he was a DJ at the school’s radio station. He later DJ’d at night clubs, making a name for himself and moving up to clubs from Pueblo to Colorado Springs and Denver. When he left his DJ career, James got his gambling license and became a blackjack dealer, spending his later years dealing cards in Blackhawk, Colorado.
He was at his most fashionable in high school, melting hearts in tight white jeans and a chartreuse silk shirt. James was known for his long hair after he left home and could get away with it. He had long hair his whole life, never budging from the look he loved.
The great loves of his life were his dogs, usually a pug, his cars, his job, and his fiancée, Debbie Jordan. He was always a good brother to Ken, Hal and Susie. In his later years, he helped take care of his mother, and he was happy in his last couple of years because he got to spend more time with his beloved aunt Carolyn. James loved Arizona and had a dream to move there when he stopped working. His plans with Debbie to move there were cut short, but he was happy to be there and finally be starting that move just before he passed away.
James was a kind and caring soul. He loved animals. He was sensitive and compassionate. He had a great sense of humor and could tell a good tale to entertain everyone. We love him and we miss him.
