Rev James J Ellison born in Chorley 23 Jun 1902. His father, Frederick, worked at the Bleach Works. His mother's maiden name was Ruth Bibby.
He was educated at St Edwards, Upholland and then St Mary's College, Oscott in Birmingham. He was ordained 11th June 1927,
He was curate at St Matthew’s Clubmoor until 1940. Parish Priest there at the time was Father William Weston.
Father Ellison was Parish Priest at St Cuthbert's from 1940 - 1947
Like his predecessor, he went on to become Parish Priest at St Mary’s Blackbrook from 1947 until his death on 18th March 1970