Biography

Thomas Milton Ellis IV, known to most as "Tim," was born February 15, 1956 in Los Angeles, California to Thomas Milton Ellis III and Jeanne Binford Ellis. Tim passed away Monday, March 21 at home, with his wife and family by his side.

Tim had an early affinity for the guitar. He was first introduced to the instrument by his babysitter at age four, got his first guitar at 10, and started taking guitar lessons shortly after. He got his first job at the neighborhood music store and by 13 was teaching guitar lessons there. At 15 he was performing with bands in local nightclubs. He opened his first recording studio in LA at 19 and began touring soon after.

After a series of serendipitous encounters, while on tour in 1980, Tim finally met his one and only wife, Susan Lynn Madonna, his perfect match. Together, they raised five daughters Jill, Tiffany, Kristin, Lisa and Jennifer and one son, Thomas Milton Ellis V.

Tim is best known in the Portland music community for his versatility, passion, and enthusiasm. He moved with his young family to Portland in 1984, and established a career as a talented guitarist, songwriter, composer, and producer. He opened Kung Fu Bakery Recording studio in 2001. Tim maintained his commitment to music education through guitar lessons, classroom music projects in schools across the country, and as a music teacher at Portland Adventist Academy for two decades. Tim also spent more than 30 years sharing his music in churches.

In 2008 Tim purchased the Day Music building and Day Theater and transformed it into the New Day Center for the Arts, where he continued to teach guitar. As Tim's children grew he had more time for his other passion: traveling. With his wife Susan by his side, their adventures took them across the globe, which allowed Tim to share his guitar playing and music with the world.

In his own words, Tim was "just a regular guy," but everyone who knew him knows Tim was a man of dedication and conviction. His spirit will live on forever as he is remembered not only as a guitar and music legend but as the most loving, generous husband and father, and pillar of the Portland community.
- IMDb mini biography by: The Oregonian