Jim Ely, Beloved Husband, Devoted Dad, Proud Granddad, and Faithful Friend went to be with our Lord and Savior on Nov. 7, 2020.
Jimmy Lee Ely was born in Ardmore, Okla. on March 8, 1931 to John Wesley and Pearl Louise (Elvington) Ely. He graduated from Durant High School in 1949, where he played and lettered in seven sports, including track/field and football. He went on to undergraduate school at Southeastern Oklahoma University in Durant, Okla.
Jim married Mary Joan (Losawyer) on Sept. 8, 1951 in Waxahachie, Texas.
Jim later began his banking career as a Commercial Lending Specialist in the financial world. From 1960-1974, Jim held various positions with commercial lending institutions. In 1979, Jim joined Mercantile National Bank directing marketing and client relationships, later managing Mercantile Bank’s international relations with foreign corporations and banks until his retirement in 2003.
After retiring, Jim became an independent International Business Consultant in 2004 and was instrumental in creating Kingsley Tool Corporation based in China.
Besides banking, Jim had a second career, working as a football and baseball official for more than 45 years. His career encompassed working on the field to official Timekeeper. Jim worked high school, college, and the NFL including Super Bowl XLV. Jim became an International Baseball Umpire traveling to Beijing, China for the Asian Games and Taipei, Taiwan for the All World Baseball Championships. In 2015, Jim was awarded the Texas Coaches Hall of Honor for his football refereeing achievements.
Jim’s third career was in movies and television. His movie career included playing the role of referee in “Any Given Sunday” and “The Invincible”.
Jim selected a fourth career with his son Joey co-owning and managing Kwik Kar Service Centers in North Texas.
Jim, a Deacon at Prestonwood Church, served as an Usher Leader and volunteered with the medical and funeral teams. Leading an exemplary Christian life and devoting his service to others, Jim undoubtedly left his mark on the lives of many. 
He loved his Lord, his devoted wife of 69 years, his family, his church, and everyone that had the opportunity to be associated with him in any manner.
Jim’s legacy in life to cherish him and carry out this memory are his beloved wife, Joan Ely; his daughter and husband, Janet and Fred; his son and wife, Joey and Melinda Ely; his grandchildren, Geoff Gary, Alesha Poteete and husband Dustin, Jackson Ely and Kaitlyn Ely; and great-grandsons Landon Poteete and Hudson Poteete.
He is much loved and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
A visitation will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020 in the Fireside Room at Prestonwood Baptist Church.
A celebration service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020 at the Prestonwood Baptist Church in the Faith Chapel, 6801 W. Park Blvd. in Plano, Texas. Joe Thompson, Sammy Knapp, Eddie Mullins, Harvey Letcher, Jackson Ely and Dustin Poteete will serve as pallbearers.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. at Restland Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave. in Dallas.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home, 221 N. Third Ave. in Durant.
Phone: (580) 916-9090
www.gordonfh.com