Jim Ellis was born in Elmhurst, IL (just outside Chicago) to John and Judy Ellis. He spent his formative years in church and quickly learned to sing and play in church choirs and bands. His first opportunity to act was in church as well.
He followed the music path, eventually directing choir and musicals in churches until he found himself at an audition for Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson, MO in 2008. He began his entertainment career in Branson in early 2009 with Sight and Sound and then Silver Dollar City.
His first two feature films, Some Tears Stain Red and Trust, are scheduled for release in November of 2015.