The obituary notice of James Edward ELLISON

Thank You James for inspiring us all with your determined enterprise and authenticity!

Lovely James…. One of my favourite ever people. You came into my life when I met John in 1999 - the ‘summer of love’ I think you both called it. From that moment on I realised how awesome you were. And all my friends loved you too. Some of the best memories of you include dancing to King of my Castle in one of the Lancaster uni nightclubs, Leeds Love Parade (well that was an eye opener for me!), the many ace family parties, the many many camping trips - Brecon had to be the best - even though I was so cross with you!! You all pretending to have come home from Kandahar and getting special treatment was one of the funniest nights I’ve ever had! I’m crying laughing thinking about it! All my memories of you are happy ones James… you made the room light up, always positive, always up for it, always making everyone feel good. You had a knack for that. Thank you so much for being part of my life. The way you have coped over the last 5 years has been beyond inspirational. You have taught me so much about resilience, positive thinking, giving everything a go and living life properly. I’ll miss you so very much and will always love you. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace lovely James. Xxxx

James was my amazing, brave, inspiring nephew, taken way too soon. I have many wonderful memories of him growing up with my two children Eve and John. In later years we never lost touch, I remember him videoing my wedding twenty five years ago with my very large camcorder, his arm must have been hurting badly but he never complained. He came to my big birthday bashes apart form my 70th last year when he was too poorly with the effects of chemo that weekend, it wasn't the same without him. What made James so special was that he made me feel special, as he did with everyone. The warmest hug, the biggest smile, the dearest 'Hello Auntie Marilyn', oh I wish I could hear him again. The World will miss you James more than anything. Love you Always.
Marilyn Watts

Hey James,
This is so hard to write. We've known each other a long time in fact met at nursery in Oakwood then through primary, we sang in choirs in all schools even through high school and remained mates we've jammed out life soundtracks (chopsticks included, haha!) to jazz, rock and all in-between discussing UFC and best podcasts and TV series – You were the soundtrack to so many memories, introducing me to new music, going camping, playing poker, golf and favourites discussing travels, gigs, conspiracy and business ideas making millions and dissecting every detail In-between.
Remember all the crazy things we got up to? From getting chased of the forkies at Rylands to late nights at the Captain's Table, we never shied away from a challenge or a good laugh. We played poker, devoured spicy food, drank too much (probably a lot!), and shared every kind of emotion along the way.
Even though miles sometimes separated us, the plan was always to stay in touch. And you know what? You'll always be a part of me. Every good song, every adventure I take – I'll feel your presence, like you're there beside me, or maybe even whispering on my shoulder, "Been there, done that!" (But said with that playful glint in your eye).
I'm glad you're finally free from pain, dude. You earned your wings. Fly high, explore wherever your heart takes you. But know this – you'll be watching over us, and "I could use somebody, you know that I could use somebody. Someone like you and all you know and how you speak." (
Kings of Leon)
Later, my friend. You'll be roaming around in my heart forever. Xxx
Hez

I thought that James was awesome, from the very first day that I met him, and that never changed. We were 11 and had just started high school. We grew up together and we've been there for each other through all of life's ups and downs. We've shared countless holidays, guitar tips, games of chess, adventures, life events, gossip, plates of food, chemo sessions and bottles of sambuka.

I learnt so much from him and am grateful to have been among his best and closest friends.

I loved his confidence, his money making schemes, how he made everyone around him feel good, his music, his 'nothing is off limits' conversations, his mischief, his bravery, his ideas, his fads and his big heart.

I'll miss him forever and will never fill the space that he's left in our lives xxx

My cousin James, born in the same school year as me, the son of my closest auntie, Maria and my brother John’s best mate, is someone who I have always held much admiration for. My childhood was full of so many fun times because James was in it. Every Christmas and New Year was spent in the company of James and his family. The legendary New Year parties where we would all do ‘performance turns’ - singing, impressions, dancing etc - were the highlight of the year. James and my brother were and remained as thick as thieves and I loved trying to tag along to the fun and mischief they got up to when we were kids.

James was one of those people who you always wanted to be around, he was funny, he just knew how to tell a story, I always wanted to be listening to what he had to say. We were as bad as each other for having overactive imaginations, nightmares and scaring ourselves. James, as we know, had an appealing energy, an adventurous spirit which carried on into adulthood. Whenever there was an upcoming family party or event, my first question would be ‘Is James going?’.

His 21st birthday wild camping out in the lakes, carrying up that monitor, generator and several crates of beer (and me having a tent with no tent poles) - funny.

We all know that James lived life to the full, he travelled, he looked for new experiences. It takes someone rather special when faced with adversity, to continue to have that lust for life and make a family with the person he loved. (can’t believe we both had a little girl within 10 days of each other after years of us saying that kids weren’t really for us!)

A unique individual with a unique strength. As well as part of him living on through his little girl and through everyone’s memories and stories, his positive energy will continue to travel the earth.

His legacy lives. Love always Xxx

My best friend, soul mate and best friend. Thank you for your friendship, love, laughter and the amazing adventures that I’ll never forget. Life will never be the same, I will miss you forever. Xxx