Jim Ellison (born January 7, 1952) is an American politician who served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2017-2022. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He now serves as Oakland County's Chief of Older Adult Services, a position introduced in 2023.
Early career
Ellison started his career as a construction cost estimator with Ronnisch Construction Group and Barton Malow Company, with the latter being where he spent most of his career. He also worked in business development at Royal Oak Storage.
Ellison held a number of elected offices before joining the state legislature. He was a commissioner for the City of Royal Oak from 1991-1995. He was also the longest-serving mayor of Royal Oak, Michigan, holding office from 2003-2016, when he left to join the Michigan House of Representatives.
State legislature
Ellison vacated his position as mayor of Royal Oak in 2016 to take his seat in the state legislature, which he held through 2022.
Michigan House of Representatives
Committee assignments
Families, Children, and Seniors
Health Policy
Tax Policy
Local Government
Electoral history
Personal life
He resides in Royal Oak with his wife, Jodie, the manager of the Royal Oak Animal Shelter. He has eight children - Emilie, Brian, Bradley, Sarah, Jonathan, Jacob, Madeline, and Isaac - and 16 grandchildren. Ellison was the founding chairman of the Woodward Dream Cruise, and uses his free time to work on a classic 1955 Ford Centerline. He also enjoys spending time with his dogs, cats, rabbits, pig and Canadian goose.