James William Ellis

James William Ellis died peacefully Thursday August 3, 2023. He was born in Champion Alberta, Feb 17, 1924. Jim dedicated his life to family, church and community. He married Audrey Leone Racher in Calgary Feb 17, 1948 and together raised nine children. Bette (Neil) Forsyth, William (Susan), Barbara, Robert (Kay), David (Wendy), Carol, Diann (Gordon) Oliver, Mark (Bonnie) and James (LeAnn). With the addition of 43 grandchildren, 100 great grandchildren, 3 great great-grandchildren, he has left a wonderful posterity to carry on this legacy.

He was predeceased by his parents William Jamieson Ellis and Jean Sword Prentice Lind, his sister Anne and her husband Ansil “Bud” Siler, his brother George, his oldest son William “Bill” and granddaughter Shanna.

Jim enjoyed his childhood northeast of Champion where he lived most of his 99 ½ years. His grandfather came to Canada in 1910 establishing the Ellis Coal Mines. Jim’s father bought land and began farming and with Jim and George helping the Ellis family farm began.

As Jim served as an Airman 1st class in the Royal Canadian Airforce during WWII his father unexpectantly passed away in September 1945, so Jim returned to the family farm that he loved so much.

Jim was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on June 25, 1949 and faithfully lived the gospel of Jesus Christ, serving throughout his life. His conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been an inspiration for all. There was never doubt that Jim had the character to do what he knew was right, completely and consistently. He was a member of the Branch Presidency and then served as Bishop of the Champion Ward for 7 years. He also served as a High Councilor for many years and an ordinance worker in the Cardston Alberta Temple for 10 years. Jim and Audrey later served as senior missionaries in the Minnesota Minneapolis Mission and lived in Hayward Wisconsin. They loved serving people everywhere they went.

Jim served his community for many years as a county councilor, as a school board trustee and on the Vulcan hospital board. He also never missing an opportunity to help friends and neighbors. As the family grew, so did the house. Jim was always building and rebuilding, adding whatever was needed. He has filled many of our homes with items he made from furniture to scroll-sawed pictures, he loved creating with his hands and tools. There was nothing he didn’t fix or build. Jim was also extremely well-read. As a habit he would be up, chores and breakfast done and would be reading his scriptures and any other book he could find when the rest of the household began their day. Daily family prayer was always said before the family scattered.

He was well-loved and he loved well and will be missed, until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 11,2023, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Champion Alberta.

Viewing and greet the family from 1pm-2pm.

Funeral service at 2pm with reception to follow.

Live-stream of the service will be available 15 minutes before service time a link will appear here.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James William Ellis, please visit our floral store.