James P. Ellison, 77, of Big Spring, died on Sunday, July 31, 2005, in the V. A. Medical Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM Friday, August 5, 2005 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel with Rev. Walter McCall and Ben Neel, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.He was born on June 20, 1928, in Shelby County, Alabama and married Lois Wilson on May 31, 1953 in Morton, Texas.Mr. Ellison came to this area in 1958 and retired from Texaco in 1989. He enjoyed farming and ranching as his second job and he enjoyed fishing and hunting as hobbies. James Ellison was rich in all the areas that count; he was an honorable man, a hard worker, a loyal friend, a beloved brother, a favorite uncle, and an inspiring role model. Of all his many accomplishments, his greatest was the love of his family. The most rewarding joys in his life were his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.He was a member of Vincent Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. A veteran of the United States Navy, he served from 1948 to 1952 during the Korean Conflict.Survivors include his wife, Lois Ellison of Big Spring; one son, Brian Ellison of Coahoma; four daughters, Janet McMahon and husband, Andy of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Rita Windham and husband, Joel, of Midland, Cheryl Ellison and husband, Joe Saldana, of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Malinda Ellison of Los Angeles, California; one brother, C. J. Ellison of Vincent, Alabama; one sister, Cleonia Burger of Forsan; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren; four sisters-in-law, and three brothers-in-law; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Lillian Ellison; two brothers, Braxton Ellison and L. G. Ellison; and one sister, Jearlion Seals. The family suggests memorials to the Vincent Baptist Church, 12101 N. FM 1205, Coahoma, Texas 79511.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
