James Ernest Elisha

James Ernest Elisha, 62, passed away on March 6, 2026, in Royse City, Texas. He was born on April 25, 1963, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. To many he was known as Big Jim or Chunk.

Big Jim was the son of the late Jerome Sr. and Marie Elisha. He was also preceded in death by his sister Janice and his beloved dog, Rudy. He is survived by his sister Suzie and her husband Alan; brothers Jerry Jr. and Marty Elisha; nephews David (Nathalia) Elisha, Stephen(Emily) Adams; nieces Jennifer Elisha, Angela (Greg) Pecina, Ashley Howell, Nicole Adams and Jennifer Farrar; great-nephews Nathan, Gavin, Lucas, Marcus, Alex, Ashton, Collin, Braden, Jack, Brody, Cooper, and Weston; great-nieces Ally, Samantha, Aubrey, Ana, Ellorie, Sophia and Landry; and great-great-niece Vera. Jim also had numerous friends whom he considered family. Among them was Rodney (Kacey) Miranda and their children Hailey, Blakely, and Rory—whom he loved as if they were his own son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

Jim graduated from Garland High School in 1981 although he’d always consider himself a graduate of Hudson High. Afterwards he earned his certification in bartending. In his prime, Big Jim was an avid bowler who not only enjoyed the sport but also managed and bartended multiple bowling alleys throughout his career, including Jupiter Lanes, Bowl-A-Rama and Plano Superbowl. His passion for bowling extended to helping junior bowlers where he loved to chaperone and coach at multiple travel tournaments and leagues. He loved the thrill of a good card game and never turned down the chance to try his luck. Whether around the kitchen table with family or at the casino, he enjoyed the excitement, the competition, and the company that came with every hand.

On the weekends during football season, you’d always catch him cheering on his Detroit Lions or Michigan Wolverines where his loyalty to both teams never wavered.

Jim found happiness in being surrounded by family and friends. He truly never met a stranger and had an infectious laugh. He had a great sense of humor and was known for telling jokes that occasionally crossed the line, but that always brought laughter and reminded everyone not to take life too seriously.

Please come and help us celebrate the life of Big Jim “Chunk”. If you have a favorite bowling shirt or University of Michigan/Detroit Lions gear feel free to sport it in his honor. There will be an opportunity for anyone who wishes to share their favorite memories of Jim during the memorial celebration.