Obituary of
Ellerd, Jimmy Charles
Jimmy Charles Ellerd was born with Down’s Syndrome on August 16, 1955 in Lubbock, Texas. He lived there with his family until he was 14 years old. He then lived at the State School in Abilene,Texas for a few years. After that, he moved to a group home in Plano, Texas, where he lived for almost the rest of his life. In February 2017 he moved to Brookhaven Nursing Home. He lived there until he passed away on June 10, 2018 from aspiration pneumonia at the age of 62.
While in Plano, Jimmy had several different jobs. He worked at a sheltered workshop, a grocery store, a fast food restaurant, and at hospital and hotel laundries. He even worked for a while assembling electronic parts. Jimmy played on group sports teams, such as baseball, basketball, and bowling. He also participated in Special Olympics and attended Camp Summit for a week every year. He loved to play Solitaire, to work jigsaw puzzles, and to watch old TV shows, like “I Love Lucy”, “I Dream of Jeannie”, “Bewitched”, “Andy Griffith”, and “Lost in Space”. He enjoyed Elvis Presley music and movies. His favorite Superheroes were Superman and Batman, closely followed by Spiderman and The Incredible Hulk. He enjoyed watching TV wrestling with his buddies. He kept a calendar and enjoyed copying the days of the week and the months of the year in his notebook. As his birthday approached, he would show you his birthday on the calendar and say--- “August 16. Birthday. Me. Cake. Ice cream. Candles. Presents. Camera. Pictures. OK?” Obviously, his birthday was always a special day in our family.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lyndal Ellerd of Carrollton, Texas. He is survived by his sister, Judy Ellerd Cesander of The Colony, Texas.
Jimmy was very generous. He would share whatever he had with you. He was a very happy person. His smile was infectious. He kept everyone around him smiling too. His smile was often accompanied by a thumbs-up sign. He enjoyed being around people. People responded to him in a positive way. He touched many lives. Jimmy is loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be in the Brooks Family Chapel of the North Dallas Funeral Home at 2710 Valley View Lane, Dallas, Texas 75234, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the service at 11:00 am.
Because Jimmy’s dad was a WWII Navy Veteran, Jimmy will be buried with his parents at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery (2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211). A brief committal service will be held there at 2:00 pm. Attendees are requested to arrive no later than 1:45.
Please leave condolences and share memories on this website.
Tribute Wall of Ellerd, Jimmy Charles
I remember him from the Fun Bunch Bowling group. He also worked at the same hospital as myself but at a different time.
Matt Yancey
Thursday October 13, 2022
I remember him from the Fun Bunch Bowling group. He also worked at the same hospital as myself but at a different time.
I had the opportunity to meet Jimmy through working the City of Plano Therapeutic dances. I loved being around him! He was always so happy.
Cheri Lowery
Thursday October 13, 2022
I had the opportunity to meet Jimmy through working the City of Plano Therapeutic dances. I loved being around him! He was always so happy.
I am so sorry that I didn’t get to come and pay my respects as I just heard about Jimmies passing. I always enjoyed seeing Jimmie at Special Olympic events. He was quiet but enjoyed life and an occasional beer. Really happy individual and he will be missed.
Mickey Niemotka
Thursday October 13, 2022
I am so sorry that I didn't get to come and pay my respects as I just heard about Jimmies passing. I always enjoyed seeing Jimmie at Special Olympic events. He was quiet but enjoyed life and an occasional beer. Really happy individual and he will be missed.
Jimmy was Scott’s roommate for 20+ years and will be missed. Our heart and prayers are with you.
Paul Davidson
Thursday October 13, 2022
Jimmy was Scott's roommate for 20+ years and will be missed. Our heart and prayers are with you.
Jimmy and our son Danny were long time friends and reside nts in their group home in Plano. Everyone loved Jimmy who always had a smile on his face. He is missed
Mary lavin and Danny
Thursday October 13, 2022
Jimmy and our son Danny were long time friends and reside nts in their group home in Plano. Everyone loved Jimmy who always had a smile on his face. He is missed