James L. Ellison

James Leon Ellison Jr., 70, of Benton Harbor passed away Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Veterans Administration Hospital in Ann Arbor.

A celebration of life homegoing service will be at noon on Saturday, Feb. 15, at Second Baptist Church, 600 Donald Adkins Drive, Benton Harbor with the Rev. Kenneth Robinson officiating. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Burial with full military honors will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Mich. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign James' memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

James was born Sept. 18, 1954, in Saginaw, Mich., to James Sr. and Mamie Ellison. The family moved to Benton Harbor where he graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1972. In December of that year, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country. James was employed most recently in the Die Cast Industry as an operator. He also worked as a truck driver and welder at various local companies.

James was a member of Second Baptist Church in Benton Harbor and the Midnight Riders Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed the feeling of freedom while riding his motorcycle. James also enjoyed listening to music, fancy cars and most of all, the time spent with his family. He was known for always looking nice and being dressed to the max. James will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

James is survived by his children: Leon (Chandra) Poole of Eastpoint, Mich., LaToria Alexander, Larry (Terrisha) Hooks and Shamika Hooks, all of Benton Harbor; 21 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his former wife, Delores Poole of Detroit; his siblings: Cheryl Ellison Brown of Chicago, Michele Davis of Indianapolis, Cathy (Tommy Lee) Phipps of Benton Harbor, Kim Tripplett of Jackson, Mich., Rhonda (Harry) Davies of Bryant, Texas, Robbie Ellison of Berrien Springs; his special cousin like a sister, Karyn Tucker of Benton Harbor; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Jwanna "Bean" Ellison and his sister, Marva Hudson.