James M. Ellis

James M. Ellis, 83, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2025. Born June 15, 1941, in Philadelphia, PA, he was a son of the late Rolland and Elizabeth (nee Horvat) Ellis. 

Jim grew up in Philadelphia and was very proud to have been an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Kutztown University with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education. He subsequently earned a doctorate in education from The University of Pennsylvania. He taught art and art history for thirty-three years while managing a graphic design business. One client he enjoyed working with was Tug McGraw, who wrote the children’s book Lumpy, a Baseball Fable, which Jim illustrated. Jim also wrote and published four children’s books for Scholastic Press. At Nether Providence High School and Strath Haven High School, Jim coached and created artwork for the school and for the mascots of the Central League. He also instituted the Varsity Arts Award, which acknowledged excellence in the arts. Jim loved teaching, and he loved his students. They, in turn, admired and loved him.

Upon retirement, Jim volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and used his art, pro bono, for many charities, He continued painting and drawing throughout his life. For several years, he and Carol enjoyed being extras in movies and television. He volunteered in the curatorial department at the Brandywine Museum of Art and was trained to clean and restore the guns and edged weapons in the N C. Wyeth collection. He also created designs for exhibitions and joined Carol in emptying and accessioning the McCoy dollhouse and the Andrew Wyeth Studio. Over the years, Jim and Carol enjoyed traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. They loved animals and rescued several remarkable cats.

Jim was the beloved husband of Carol A. (nee Dominick) Ellis; loving step-father of William G. Stanfield (Elizabeth) and Laura Stanfield; adoring grandfather of Tiffany Keys, Will Stanfield, Jacob Stanfield, and Chloe Stanfield; and dear brother of Tom Ellis. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 at Covenant United Methodist Church, 212 W. Springfield Road, Springfield, PA, 19064, followed by his Memorial Service at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church and Brandywine SPCA.