William James Ellis (July 9, 1857 – April 17, 1926) was a building contractor and political figure in Newfoundland.

He represented Ferryland in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly from 1904 to 1909 as a Liberal.

Ellis later established his own contracting and construction business[1] and also operated a quarry.

His company rebuilt a number of buildings in St. John's following the Great Fire of 1892.

He died in New York City at the age of 68[1] while returning from a winter holiday in California.