Jim Ellis
MANISTIQUE — Son of Mabel and Haran Ellis, James Haran Ellis was born on Oct. 12, 1924, in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated there. During World War Il in 1944-45, he was a corporal in the 959th Field Artillery Battalion over in Europe, earning the Army Good Conduct, American Campaign, World War II Victory, Europe-Africa-ME, and Army Occupation medals. After his honorable discharge, he worked in various jobs including living in Alaska delivering supplies in his own private plane.
In 1957, he married Connie Elizabeth Vail, and they had a daughter, Nancy Carlene. After living in Sault Ste. Marie for a few years, Jim applied for a job with Great Lake Dredge & Dock Company and always attributed the drafting classes he took in college to not only getting the job but opening the door to his life career as a construction engineer. He always said he was one of the lucky ones that actually loved his work, whether it be constructing or negotiating or getting certified as a diver because the company happened to need one. The next few decades were spent moving around the U.S. and South America with his family. But every summer, he made sure to return to the U.P. to visit with family. Jim always said his career would never have been possible without Connie as his partner.
When Jim retired, he and Connie settled in Manistique. Building his camp on Crooked Lake was the start of his “second career” — enjoying involvement in activities such as golf, hunting, fishing, skiing, skating, and snow-machining. Jim was an active member of the First Baptist Church, the Indian Lake Golf Course, the Elks Lodge 632, and the VFW. Known to many as U Uncle Jim”, he loved spending time with family and friends. He truly enjoyed people and loved to visit over a cold beer or glass of wine, and he will be greatly missed.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Nancy (Kevin) Ellis Kounelis; grandsons, Derek (Crystal) Ellis Main and Jake Ellis Shampine; step-granddaughters, Kelly (Mike) Knoll, Jill (Scott Mills) Tracey, and Julie (Eric) Olko; great-grandkids, Dylan, Lexie, Jaime, Alex and Mia; siblings, William (Wanda) Ellis, Eileen (Elmer/deceased) Martin, Lois (Mort) Cook and Elizabeth (Ralph/deceased) Bumstead; deceased siblings, Herb (Berniece/surviving) Ellis, Clayton (Berneta) Ellis, George (Roberta) Ellis, Ruth (Lester) McKenzie, Verna (Spencer) (Roy) Shunk Rogers, and Dorothy (Willard) Jollineau.
Jim’s family is grateful for the wonderful care he received while residing at Woodland Assisted Living and from SMH Hospice. A private memorial service will be held Saturday, April 25. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a future date when large gatherings are allowed. Donations can be made to Nancy Ellis Kounelis; 942N Cty Rd 440, Manistique Ml 49854 for distribution to specific charities of Jim’s.
Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique and Garden are assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or leave condolences visit their website.