Jonathan Miller Ellis

Jonathan Miller Ellis (March 9, 1974- October 5, 2024)

Jonathan Miller Ellis, 50, of Irmo, South Carolina, passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024. He was born in West Columbia, South Carolina on March 9, 1974, to Jo Anne Miller Ellis and Tony Ellis. 

Jonathan's heart was as huge as his smile and laughter. He was larger than life, silly, and sweet, spreading warmth and drawing laughter from all around him. He found joy and great pleasure in the kitchen feeding anyone who was hungry. Everyone who met him couldn't help but be drawn to his charming personality. Jonathan was a chef trained by Navy master chefs as well as the master chefs of the Culinary Institute of America. His cooking journey started in the Navy where he was the most popular sailor on the submarine. He was super-creative and a handyman who was generous to a fault. He wanted everyone to be happy and put their needs above his. During a flood in 2015, he led a relief effort by feeding an entire neighborhood. There were countless Thanksgivings that he cooked and served in a drug rehabilitation center and homeless shelters. His love language was acts of service, and he truly believed that the quickest way to someone’s heart was through their stomach. One of his greatest passions was his love for soccer and he carried this passion by pouring into coaching youth soccer. His mother always described him as “Tigger” because he bounced in, and from the minute he arrived until the minute he left. He left everyone with a song in their souls and happiness in their hearts. Jonathan is dancing on the streets of gold in heaven reveling in peace.

Jonathan is preceded in death by his father, Tony Ellis; Jonathan is survived by his mother, Jo Anne Ellis; his sister Jennifer (Jeff) Elmore; his son, Parker Ogden (Jana), his daughter Madison Ellis and son John-Miller Ellis; his grand-daughter Hallie Ogden; and his nephew Max Elmore.

The service will be held at NewSpring Church on 657 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC at 10:30 am on Thursday, October 10. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to NewSpring Church.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, State Street, 200 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169, (803) 999-5015.