Support the family of Jeff Ellis
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“Coach” Jeff Ellis passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018 surrounded by loved ones following a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Jeff was a man loved near and far; calling Roseville, California his home, but with deep family roots in his birthplace of Louisville, Kentucky. With love for him spanning across the country, it is only fitting he be honored in his hometown and his birthplace. Donations received will go towards both the local Roseville funeral and his memorial service in Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, four children, two grandchildren and many other cherished family members. After a local funeral service, his family will travel to Louisville for an additional memorial service to honor his legacy.
Jeff’s passion was football and as the #1 high school tight end in the nation he received scholarships from top colleges across the country. Although many offers were received, he accepted the invitation to play at The Ohio State University. After college, he tried out with the Cleveland Browns, but a knee injury prevented him from moving forward with the team. This diversion was part of the master plan which eventually led him to California where he continued his football career. It was during this time he met his wife Rose and they began their family, planting new roots together in California while playing nine years in Arena Football.
The Ellis Family moved from the Bay Area to Roseville in 2000 where Jeff immediately connected with the sports community and became involved in coaching. He not only coached his own children’s teams but served as a mentor to many of kids throughout the neighborhood and beyond; whether he was on the sideline, the field, or at the stat table, Jeff had a part in sports. His coaching football throughout Roseville extended over ten years and included the Granite Bay Junior Grizzlies, Granite Bay High School Grizzlies and the Oakmont Junior Vikings.
Despite battling cancer, Jeff would not hold back from coaching. He pushed himself and did whatever he could to make it to the field and find a way to coach. When being on the field was no longer an option because of the effects of his treatments, he would park his car towards the field and use binoculars to watch practice. As the team came off the field he would call players over to coach them up from his vehicle window. Though Jeff had a sincere passion for sports, he had an even bigger heart for his players and a great love for his family and friends, near and far, young and old. A very personable and caring man, he made and kept lifetime friends. Jeff Ellis is a true legend whose impact will live on forever.
As the Ellis family navigates through this difficult time they want us to know they are forever thankful for all our prayers and support and they send their continued blessings to all.
This is the only official authorized account. Thank you.
Jeff’s passion was football and as the #1 high school tight end in the nation he received scholarships from top colleges across the country. Although many offers were received, he accepted the invitation to play at The Ohio State University. After college, he tried out with the Cleveland Browns, but a knee injury prevented him from moving forward with the team. This diversion was part of the master plan which eventually led him to California where he continued his football career. It was during this time he met his wife Rose and they began their family, planting new roots together in California while playing nine years in Arena Football.
The Ellis Family moved from the Bay Area to Roseville in 2000 where Jeff immediately connected with the sports community and became involved in coaching. He not only coached his own children’s teams but served as a mentor to many of kids throughout the neighborhood and beyond; whether he was on the sideline, the field, or at the stat table, Jeff had a part in sports. His coaching football throughout Roseville extended over ten years and included the Granite Bay Junior Grizzlies, Granite Bay High School Grizzlies and the Oakmont Junior Vikings.
Despite battling cancer, Jeff would not hold back from coaching. He pushed himself and did whatever he could to make it to the field and find a way to coach. When being on the field was no longer an option because of the effects of his treatments, he would park his car towards the field and use binoculars to watch practice. As the team came off the field he would call players over to coach them up from his vehicle window. Though Jeff had a sincere passion for sports, he had an even bigger heart for his players and a great love for his family and friends, near and far, young and old. A very personable and caring man, he made and kept lifetime friends. Jeff Ellis is a true legend whose impact will live on forever.
As the Ellis family navigates through this difficult time they want us to know they are forever thankful for all our prayers and support and they send their continued blessings to all.
This is the only official authorized account. Thank you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Darya Evans
Organizer
Rocklin, CA
Rose Ellis
Beneficiary