Ellen Louise James

Ellen Louise James, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away in Conroe, Texas, on February 24, 2026, following a long, fierce, and difficult battle with illness. She was 65 years old.

Born on October 12, 1960, in Limestone, Maine, Ellen was the daughter of the late George Robert James and Joan (Mummert) James Chianelli. Growing up in an Air Force family, she lived in Maine, Texas, Hawaii, Oklahoma, California, Montana, and Colorado. The family eventually settled in Houston, Texas, in 1974, where Ellen graduated from Bellaire High School in 1978.

A woman of many talents, Ellen built a diverse and successful career over the decades. She began in property management in Houston, spent time working for the telephone company in Conroe, and later returned to property management in Fairfax, Virginia. Upon returning to Houston, she lent her skills to the oil and gas industry before ultimately transitioning to accounting in Conroe, where she worked for many years alongside her good friend John Leroux.

To know Ellen was to know a woman who was truly the life of the party. Exceptionally beautiful, she possessed a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an infectious laugh that could light up any room. Ellen and her mom, Joan, were longtime roommates and took care of each other over the years. Her home and heart were also always open to the dozens of animals she loved and cared for over her lifetime.

She was happiest when she was outdoors, whether she was working on landscaping projects, tending to her large vegetable garden, grilling, or spending time on the water. She loved to decorate for the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. Ellen always enjoyed food, whether she was cooking a meal at home or dining out with loved ones.

Above all, Ellen was a fighter. She faced her health challenges with an inspiring, steadfast strength that served as a pillar of courage for her entire family. She never gave up, fighting until the very end with everything she had. She was truly the strongest person her family has ever known.

Ellen's final wish was to be an organ donor, which she fulfilled by donating the precious Gift of Sight. She encouraged people to donate through the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS).

She was preceded in death by her parents, George Robert James and Joan James Chianelli; her stepfather, Mike Chianelli; her brother, Scott James; and her former husband, Danny Nash.

She is survived and dearly missed by her twin sisters, Beth James Scanlon and her husband Jack, and Dawn Marie Bolin and her husband Bebo; her stepsister, Becky Chianelli Osborne; her nephews, Matthew Kirila and his wife Kelley, and Joseph Bolin and his wife Danielle; her cherished great-nieces, Olivia and Addison; her great-nephew, Hunter; and a large, loving circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be announced by the family at a later date.