J.M. Ellison

James Matthew "J.M." Ellison, 94, of Easley, South Carolina, husband of Bonnie Meece Ellison for more than 74 years, entered his heavenly home on Monday, October 5, 2026, at The Woodlands at Furman in Greenville, South Carolina.

J.M. lived in Easley for most of his life, apart from his military service and the last several years, when he and Bonnie made their home at The Woodlands.

The son of the late Cecil Elmer and Aneita Ellison, J.M. came from humble beginnings in a textile mill family. He was industrious from an early age, and his first job was delivering milk to help support his family. He played football at Easley High School and American Legion baseball.

J.M. proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Whetstone and the USS Intrepid, and he was honorably discharged. As the ship's barber, he discovered a talent that would shape his career.

After returning home, J.M. became known for his flat-top haircuts, then at the height of popularity, and quickly established two thriving Easley businesses: El Matador, which specialized in men's and women's hairstyling, and J.M.'s Hair Clinic, which provided hair replacement services for men and women across the Upstate of South Carolina and beyond. He had a natural entrepreneurial inclination and was an original founder of The Reserve at Lake Keowee.

A charter member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church, he served in many capacities, including as Sunday school teacher, deacon, and on various committees. He remained a member until his death.

An avid outdoorsman, J.M. enjoyed hunting and fishing until he discovered a lasting love for golf. He treasured the friendships and friendly competition he found on the course, including his close friendship with Alvin Dark, the former Major League Baseball player and manager, and once won a vehicle with a hole-in-one at a charity event.

J.M. loved his family immensely and cherished time together at the lake, boating and water skiing. His devotion to Bonnie was limitless, and their marriage was filled with adventures and travel across the United States and abroad.

A lifelong learner, J.M. brought a keen intellect and dedication to improving himself and creating opportunities for his family and community. He was a remarkable man who enjoyed tremendous success in business while maintaining a generous heart and putting the interests of others above his own. He had an authentic “giver’s heart”, never seeking recognition or acknowledgement for himself.

In addition to his beloved wife, Bonnie, who cared for him devotedly in his later years as his health declined, J.M. is survived by his son, Matt Ellison (Julie); his daughter, Susan Sutherland; grandchildren, Walt Sutherland (Chrissy), Betsy Sutherland (Oscar Hurtado), Lesley Ellison (Hunter Thomas), and Trey Ellison; seven great-grandchildren, Griffin, Emma, Collin, Madeleine, Sophie, Joeleigh, and Tucker, and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Fred Ellison, David Ellison and infant brother Billy Ellison; and his sisters, Gertrude Powell, Sybil Ferguson, and Margaret McClellan.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. in the Chapel at Robinson Funeral Homes, Powdersville Road. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Interment in the Chapel of Reflection.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and hospice staff at The Woodlands at Furman for their compassionate care of J.M. in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Brushy Creek Baptist Church, 100 Clay Street, Easley, SC 29642, or to the church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared at RobinsonFuneralHomes.com. Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory, Powdersville Road, Easley, is assisting the family.