Passing of Jerry Ellis

[gsphonos]

I can't believe I'm doing this again. Just learned that Jerry Ellis passed away in his sleep a couple of days ago. Jerry was a collector and dealer for many years. He had a space at Sleepy Hollow Antique Mall, in Long Beach California, for many, many years. I bought my first Compleat Talking Machine book from Jerry's booth over 20 years ago--and that REALLY got me going with antique phonographs!! He used to come out to his booth, at least once a week, and play records and cylinders to entertain shoppers/customers at the antique shop. He pulled out of that mall at least 10-15 years ago. He had a wonderful garage/shop/phonograph room that I enjoyed visiting many times over the years. Jerry, and his wife, were always so nice and fun to talk with. His son and daughter-in-law, and some of his grandchildren, lived right next door. The news came as quite a shock as I was over to see him twice in the last month. He was getting ready for the APS Show and Sale, which is just 2 weeks away. We were both having fun talking about the upcoming show--but Jerry said it would probably be his last. He had his tables reserved and banquet for him and his son taken care of. I was looking forward to seeing/talking with him in a couple of weeks. In fact, I was planning on making another trip over to his home, in Long Beach, next week. He really didn't want to bring a lot to the show!

Jerry was 87, I believe, but young at heart! His table at APS was always just on the next row directly across from mine--for as long as I have had tables there--probably 18 years or more. Always enjoyed his son Michael (who lived next door), or his other son, who would take turns helping their dad, each year, and go to the banquet with him. I bought many machines, cylinders, records, and parts from Jerry over the years. He was always fair with his prices, and enjoyed selling to me. He recommended certain machines and items to buy from him, over the years, and he never steered me wrong!

Jerry called me last month and invited me to come over. He has been selling parts of his collection to me for years. He was ready to let go his personal collection of cylinders last month--right out of his bedroom--and he thought of me. About 250 nice cylinders. Another trip I bought 5 organizer containers--the ones with all of the little plastic pull out shelves--with all of those little hard to find parts and screws and replacement parts, tool, etc. He was so happy to be sending them off to me--knowing that they were going to a good home, and he would be continuing his love of working on and repairing antique phonographs through me. I didn't even know he had these parts--he is the one who opened up some cabinets and pointed them out to me just last month!

The attached photo is of me, collector friend, Edward Collette (always works with me at my tables at APS), and Jerry. Look up and you will see tonearms hanging from the rafters. He had at least 25 up there--hanging--for years. On the last trip, he made sure to say to me to take them all down and take them with me--which I did.

What a class act--Jerry Ellis--you will be missed!! Rest in Peace Jerry!

Mike Sorter
Riverside, CA

PS If you are coming to the show in Buena Park, on another sad note--Connie Aldredge died last month. She and her late significant other, Don Shipley, were charter members of the Golden State Phonograph Society, CA Chapter of MAPS, and she was at the doorway of the banquet, along with Denise Corbett, and her daughter, for many years, welcoming participants, and handing out name tags, selling the prize drawing tickets, etc. Connie was raising her teenage granddaughter, Summerlee, who was good friends with my daughter Ellie. She was a dear friend, and will be sincerely missed. These last 3 or 4 months have really been tough with losing 4 close phonograph friends (Steve Lavoie and Ray Phillips).

[marcapra]

I didn't know Jerry by name, but do recognize his face from the APS show. We will miss him, certainly. A very nice man! Requiescat in pace. Marc

[Jerry B.]

It was always a pleasure to see and visit with Jerry at the old CAPS and now APS shows over the years. I always thought of him as a quiet and gentle fellow that welcomed a moment to visit and was generous with his knowledge. I am sorry for the collecting community and your personal loss of a good friend.

Respectfully, Jerry Blais