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Jay Ellis Obituary

Jay ELLIS Age 43 passed away peacefully on Sunday September 28th. He suffered a brain aneurysm the day before while at the gym. He is survived by his life partner / spouse of 21 years, Bill Grimsman. Additional surviving family members include his loving parents Rev. Howard and Nanette Ellis, his younger sister Heidi Ellis-Bunz, husband Shain, and their 2 children Alexandra and Matthew. Jay is also survived by his youngest sister Kirsten Kempker, husband Keith and their 2 children Hannah and Grace. The memorial service will be held at the Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation in West Seattle on Friday October 3rd at 1:00 p.m. Jay's strongest wish regarding rememberance is for donations in lieu of flowers. Two donation choices based on deeply held convictions to honor his life are: Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation, P.O. Box 16461-0461, Seattle 98116 c/o minister discretion or the Obama presidential campaign fund. Jay bids all who knew and loved him farewell....

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Published by The Seattle Times from Oct. 1 to Oct. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jay Ellis

16 Entries

Jason Parsley

October 13, 2008

I knew Jay for over 10 years first as a student at evergreen junior high and than at Eastlake and than as a friend. He had a special way of touching students lives and making them believe in themselves that very few have. His teaching, guidance and most of all friendship will be missed.

Patty Crawford

October 8, 2008

I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Jay's death. I supervised him during his administrative internship. As I worked with Jay throughout the year, he gained my respect and I became a strong advocate and promoter of him. What a person of integrity, intelligence and passion to do what was right for students, teachers and parents. Jay is a person in that elite group of truly impressive and contributors to society. What a dear, dear loss we have all experienced.
May his family gain some comfort to know what a wonderful person Jay was and how much he contributed.

Patty Crawford
Mill Creek, WA

April Meyers

October 5, 2008

I am saddened to learn of our loss when Jay died. He lifted those around him with his positive and active care for the world around him. Bill, our hearts go out to you, especially.

Brynn E.

October 3, 2008

I knew Jay Ellis through school. He was my loved principal at Rose Hill Junior High. Everyone at school was truly touched by his words, wisdom, and huge smile. Mr. Ellis has left a giant footprint at Rose Hill that will never be completely filled. I am sorry that I had not been taken the chance to really get to know Mr. Ellis, however he would be glad to know I am sure, that he will always be remembered, loved, and appreciated. Mr. Ellis has now taught me something that very few can teach, live life, don't regret, love every minute, because you never know when it will be your last. I now realize how honored I had been to be taught and lead by such an amazing man. We will miss Mr. Ellis, and I am sorry for the loss his family and friends have endured this week. His presence in my life will never be forgotten.

Shashanna Orellano

October 3, 2008

I was so sad to hear about Mr. Ellis' death and I extend my condolences to his family. I am a former student of his- I was one of the violinists who started the string orchestra program with him at Eastlake High School. He was both a great musician and a wonderful teacher. That first year we only had enough musicians for a string quartet if he played viola. I think my happiest memories of high school were because of Mr. Ellis. His sense of humor was what made him an inspiring teacher- even at 6:30 in the morning! I remember him conducting the pit orchestra for the musical senior year and the way he would mimic the actors on stage with his hands. We laughed so hard we couldn't play our instruments. I regret living so far away that I could not attend the memorial, but please know my thoughts are with you, his family. He will be missed.

Kevin Tissot

October 3, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss Bill, it is unimaginable, Jay's nice smile and thoughfulness are a loss to all who knew him. I am so sorry.

Melody Kieffer

October 3, 2008

I knew Jay through the Lake Washington School District. He was always thoughtful and honest. I truly appreciated his candor and his sense of humor. He will be missed greatly.
Melody Kieffer (LWSD)

[RHJH student]

October 2, 2008

Mr. Ellis was my principal, he was very nice but other kids thought he was harsh and just strict. I realize that all he wanted to do was make our school a positive place to learn.
i know that all of us will miss you alot!

Maureen Hanson

October 2, 2008

I knew Jay through the orchestra program at Eastlake that my daughter attended from 4th grade on through high school. I was also and am an orchestra shuttle bus driver at Eastlake and always admired his ability to coordinate the large group of kids under his direction. He was a warm man and gave me a big hug the last time I saw him at the bus drivers in-service which took place at Rose Hill Jr. High this last August. We will miss you Jay.

Lisa Ramsey

October 2, 2008

Jay was a wonderful person, a dedicated teacher, and brought out the best in everyone he met. God Bless, and may our memories of Jay live on...

Kristy, Paul & Jon Welton

October 2, 2008

Jay & Bill were wonderful neighbors and friends. We're shocked and saddened by Jay's passing. Bill, you're in our hearts and prayers.

Lynn Wenneborg

October 1, 2008

Jay holds a very special place in the hearts of our family. He was our daughter's first orchestra teacher in the fourth grade at Mead Elem and was there to encourage her to continue into her high school years. She loved the cello and a large part of that was because of Jay. He was so good with those kids and the music that was played by his students was amazing. Basketball games were fun because he and the Pep Band would have all of us rockin in the bleachers.We followed him to Eastlake HS where his new role always had him surrounded by students. Friday nights he would be at the football games, during the day he would have a walkie-talkie in his hand either in the cafeteria, office or parking lot keeping our kids safe and being a constant presence to them. At "Mr. Eastlake" if he wasn't a part of some skit he was laughing in the balcony with the rest of us. He was an incredible teacher, administrator and person. We feel blessed to have known him and are sad for those who won't get the opportunity. He has touched so many people with his love, kind words, encouragement and support. It is a sad time for our community but he continues on in all of the young lives he has touched.

Janelle Dziuk

October 1, 2008

Jay was my oldest cousin, and I have great memories of his visits to Texas when we were kids. I was so shocked and sad to hear of his sudden death. All of our family in Texas will miss him greatly but we trust that he is in God's hands rejoicing and making music in heaven.

Katie Folkman

October 1, 2008

Jay was my principal/my boss, but he was also my friend. I will miss him greatly. Jay believed that all kids could be successful. I appreciated this positive attitude. He was also someone who encouraged me. I was in a new position as our building math coach and was often not sure that I was making a difference. Jay always encouraged me and helped me to feel more confident in my new postition. I am grateful that Jay chose to use his enormous energy in the field of education.

Mark Magill and Barry Schiess

October 1, 2008

We were so sorry to have heard about this. All our love to Bill and and family members.

Rev. Peg Morgan

September 30, 2008

Dearest Jay,
You are so loved. You will be always with us. We'll take good care of Bill. Thank you for the many gifts you gave to the world.
Love, Peg

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