A woman of faith and family, the passing of Jim Ellis Automotive Group Co-Founder Billie Jean Ellis earlier this month marks the end of a life well-lived. While Mrs. Ellis, as she was affectionately referred to by Jim Ellis team members, was not as heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of Jim Ellis Automotive as her late husband Jim Ellis, it was her belief and investment in her husband and their vision that led to the start of what developed into a 20-dealership and 17-brand automotive group.
After finishing out one career, working 17 years for Georgia Tech, Mrs. Ellis launched into a brand new entrepreneurial opportunity with Mr. Ellis in 1970 to start Jim Ellis Automotive, using Mrs. Ellis’ retirement money from Georgia Tech, all of their savings and selling several assets to do so. It was a business venture that would pay off dividends for the two of them and the future generations of the Ellis family as they developed a brand that was a reflection of their own values and beliefs that each client is important and should be treated with the utmost care and respect, “treated like family.”
Mrs. Ellis was a big investor in her family, instilling in her own children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren the importance of faith and family. She loved spending time with her family, whether it be traveling, shopping, eating, or gathering for a holiday/celebration. Whatever the reason for being together, being surrounded by her loved ones brought much joy to her life. Being known for being both witty and wise, Mrs. Ellis shared lots of laughs and wisdom with those around her. The wisdom of both Mr. and Mrs. Ellis that was passed along to the next generations of the Ellis family can be seen today in the third-generation leadership of Jim Ellis Automotive Group.
In addition to time spent with family, Mrs. Ellis had a never-ending list of philanthropic endeavors. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis developed the Jim and Billie Ellis Foundation as a way to give money back to deserving charities and causes in the metro Atlanta community. Through Jim Ellis Automotive Group, they also had the opportunity to partner with charitable organizations, schools and the local dealership communities by sponsoring grassroots events and initiatives. Throughout the years, the Ellises donated over $50 million to worthwhile causes. This generosity lives on today in their surviving children and grandchildren as the Jim and Billie Ellis Foundation and Jim Ellis Automotive Group continue to generously donate to local charitable organizations.
While the earthly lives of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis have come to an end, their legacy lives on through the values instilled in their loved ones over the years, the continued success of the Jim Ellis Automotive Group, and the lives changed through charities the Ellises invested in. The Ellis family and Jim Ellis Automotive Group team members look forward to many more years of continuing the legacy of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis through philanthropic generosity and superior customer service.
