John Willis Ellis (November 23, 1820 – July 7, 1861) was the 35th Governor of the U.S. state of North Carolina from 1859 to 1861.

Ellis attended the University of North Carolina, studied law under Richmond Mumford Pearson, practiced law, and was elected to the North Carolina General Assembly from Rowan County.

He was elected Governor in 1858 by a large majority over Duncan K. McRae, a Democrat supported by remnants of the Whig Party.

As the American Civil War was beginning, President Abraham Lincoln requested troops from North Carolina to quell the rebellion.

Ellis replied, "I can be no party to this wicked violation of the laws of the country and to this war upon the liberties of a free people.