A painter, graphic artist, and teacher, Julius Milford Ellison was born on September 16, 1909 in Sioux City, Iowa.  He studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, Chouinard Art School, San Diego State College, University of Colorado, University of Southern California, and Mexico City College.  He worked as a commercial artist in Chicago, and moved to California in 1928, settling in San Diego. He first worked as a freelance artist before taking the teaching positions.

He was highly active in southern California in the last half of the 20th century. He was Director of Art exhibitions for the Southern California Expo at Del Mar from 1970 to 1973.  He taught at San Diego City School, and from 1946 to 1969 was Chairman of the Art Department at Point Loma High School in San Diego.  He also taught art classes with the extension division of the University of California, and from 1954 to 1961, was an instructor in watercolor at the University of California Western Campus.

Ellison was a long time member of the Carmel Art Association, San Diego Watercolor Society, and the La Jolla Art Association.  In 1964, as a founding member, he served as the 1st President of the San Diego Watercolor Society. He served as President of the La Jolla Art Association in 1971-72.

J. Milford Ellison died in La Jolla, California on November 24, 1993