Hey everyone, I’ve got some sad news to share. Jamarcus Ellis, a basketball legend from Westinghouse high school, passed away early Friday morning. It’s a real tragedy. His car crashed into a viaduct pillar on the Near West Side near the Pilsen neighborhood. He was taken to the hospital but unfortunately didn’t make it. The accident is being investigated by the Major Accident Investigation Unit.
Jamarcus was not just a basketball player, he was a son, a friend, and a mentor. His coach at Westinghouse, Quitman Dillard, described him as a son and said they had a special bond. Every Father’s Day, Jamarcus would reach out to wish his coach a happy day. It’s heartbreaking to hear that he’s gone.
Aside from basketball, Jamarcus was working as a paraprofessional at a school in the western suburbs. He was dedicated to helping others and making a positive impact on young lives. He had three sons and had faced a lot of hardship in his own life. His father passed away when he was just six years old, and his mother died when he was 14. Despite these challenges, Jamarcus was an incredibly talented basketball player.
In 2004, he was selected as a First Team All-State player by the Sun-Times. That’s a huge accomplishment! He was recognized alongside other basketball greats like Duke coach Jon Scheyer and NBA player Shaun Livingston. Jamarcus led Westinghouse to the city title during his senior year and was a key player in their city and state championship team in his sophomore year.
After high school, Jamarcus continued his basketball career at junior college and then at Indiana University. He even played at Oklahoma City University during his senior year. His talent and passion for the game were undeniable.
Jamarcus was not just a basketball player, he was a beloved figure in the Chicago community. He was known as ‘Tone-Tone’ and ‘Tom-Tom’ to his close friends. His former teammate, Deandre Thomas, described him as their LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. They may not have taken the right path at the time, but Jamarcus will always be remembered as a favorite player.
In addition to his professional career in Canada and the G League, Jamarcus represented Chicago’s three-on-three team in the FIBA World Championships in Brazil in 2015. He was a force to be reckoned with on the court.
It’s a devastating loss for the Westinghouse Warriors Basketball family. They tweeted their condolences and shared their grief. Jamarcus will be deeply missed.
Let’s take a moment to remember Jamarcus Ellis, a true legend on and off the basketball court. May he rest in peace.