James David Ellis

James “Jim” David Ellis, 85, of Prescott Valley passed away at home surrounded by family on April 4, 2022.
James was born in Yale, Oklahoma to Lewis and Opal Ellis on July 15, 1936. Stories from his childhood include working in his family’s restaurant, although dishes and peeling potatoes weren’t his favorite jobs. After enjoying football, basketball, and baseball in school, he married the love of his life, Shirley, who he was married to for over 60 years until her passing. He enjoyed a long career as a roughneck in the oil fields, a welder, and then a machinist for the Gannett Company keeping the machines running smoothly to print the Arizona Republic. Travel and camping brought him much joy and he made many memories with his wife and family traveling throughout the United States and Mexico, always with a camera around his neck. He loved anything with an engine and enjoyed many cars, trucks, motorcycles, dirt bikes and quads over the years. He was still riding his quad with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren well into his eighties. He was actively involved at Trinity Lutheran Church serving as their first deacon as well as instrumental in the planning and building of God’s World with his wife. He was blessed to officiate the wedding of his great-grandchild Tanya, as well as the baptism of his great-great grandchild, Ariel.
James is preceded in death by his wife: Shirley, his daughter: Sharon, siblings: Gene, Norma, and Wanda, and his great-granddaughter: Amber.
James is survived by his children: James (Patti) and Shawn (Mike Jr.), grandchildren: David (Jennifer) and George (Melissa), great-grandchildren: Tanya (Severo), Bryan, Aaron and Justina, and great-great grandchild: Ariel.
A celebration of life will be held April 23, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Prescott Valley at 1pm. A reception will follow.
The family of James wants to extend our sincere thanks to Solaris Hospice. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church.