Life Reflections for Elder James M. Ellis

James Mckay Ellis, mighty man of God, loving, faithful husband, and compassionate father was born September 13, 1947 to parents Aaron and Lubertha (Kincaid) Ellis in Tampa, Florida. On November 26, 2015, Thanksgiving Day, the Lord stopped by and summoned him to come home to be with him. In a strong, courageous, and yet memorable manner, James acknowledged the Lord's beckoning and made his transition to glory.

As a young ambitious man from Tampa, Florida, James valued education. He graduated from Middleton High School and set forth on the dream to attend college. James knew that to accomplish his dream and feed his hunger for education, he would have to leave Tampa, Florida.

He was drafted in the U.S. Army and worked as a medic during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge, he enrolled in Chicago Technical College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1973. Later in his career, he became an Automation

Readability Specialist for the U.S. Postal Service. While in this position, he taught and trained many members of the Postal Service. He was known to be a charismatic instructor, one that was clear and open for questions. Thus, he taught until everyone understood. He often traveled across

the United States to be educated on the latest techniques and to sharpen his skills. He retired with 38 years of service. His love for education and ambition for life would transcend his earthly endeavors and transfer to a love for God.

During a summer revival in 1963, at the age of 15, James received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the First Born Church of the Living God in Tampa, Florida. He received the call to teach God's Word at the age of 16. While resting in bed, he had a vision of God calling him, "Teach my people,

teach my people." James heeded the call of the Lord as he prayed for God's strength.

Under the leadership of the late Bishop Alonzo Moyer of Apostolic Little Rock Church, James became a licensed minister in the Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Organization. He was called upon to hold several local and statewide positions. In 1992, James was called upon by the State Bishop to serve as Interim Pastor of Greater Grace Refuge Church. Later he was appointed to the office of State Administrative Assistant to Bishop David Maxwell. During that same year, he also held the position of State Minister to the Youth and Sunday School Department.

He served faithfully in the ministry of the Churches of Our Lord Jesus Christ for over 33 years. In January 1999, he joined Prayer & Faith Outreach Ministries, under the leadership of Bishop William Hudson III. Due to Minister Ellis's willingness to humble himself to the leadership of

Bishop Hudson, he was ordained as an Elder. Elder Ellis was also

appointed over various ministries within the church.

His love for the Word of God was shared pedantically to his listeners. James sacrificed both his time and finances to support the growth of the ministry. His motivation was his love for God and the people of God.