James "Mike" Ellis

Funeral services for Mr. James Michael "Mike" Ellis will begin at 1:00 pm, Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Paul Sizemore officiating. The interment will be held at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Ellis, 65, of Meridian, passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024, while doing what he loved: crappie fishing.

Mike Ellis was born on February 16, 1959, in West Point, MS. He was a devoted husband for thirteen years. He enjoyed sharing his love for crappie fishing and music with his wife, Lori, and all those around him. Known for his storytelling skills, he always made time for conversations, but you should be prepared to invest the time. Mike's enthusiasm for crappie fishing and music extended to educating and engaging with friends and family, reflecting his deep passion for sharing his knowledge with others. He proudly served as a pro staff member for multiple fishing sponsors for a considerable period. This experience was a significant highlight of his life, allowing him to pursue crappie fishing as a career. Mike also found joy in playing the drums and was a part of various bands for the past forty years, contributing to the Meridian area and beyond. He cherished his family and numerous friends and will be greatly missed by everyone. Fish, eat, live, sore lip 'em all!

Mike is survived by his wife, Lori Ellis; his two brothers, David (Shirley) Ellis and Terry (Nancy) Ellis; nephews, JonJon Ellis, Monte (Grace) Ellis, and Josh (Cayla) Ellis; great nieces and nephews; stepson, Kyle (Brittany) Wiggins, and grandchildren, Maryl and Madi. His sister-in-law, Cindy (Shawn) Kasper and Parr and Brother-in-law Kevin, Peterson also survive.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, John David Ellis, and his mother, Suzie Inez Ellis; his eldest brother, Danny Ellis; and his father-in-law, Robert (Bob) Peterson.

Pallbearers will be JonJon Ellis, Monte Ellis, Josh Ellis, Kyle Wiggins, Chris Sheppard, Joe Hillman, Tommy Northam, and Mike Partridge.

Mike's fishing friends and sponsors will serve as honorary pallbearers, carrying the fishing pole on his new journey.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests to make donations to First Baptist Church of Collinsville in his honor.

The Ellis Family invites guests to pay their respects from 11:00 am until 12:45 pm, just before the funeral services in the chapel. This is a precious opportunity to show your support and share your fond memories of Mike.