James K. Ellis, 87, of Coldwater, Mich., passed away Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the Community Health Center of Branch Co.

He was born April 3, 1921 in LaPorte County, the son of Winfred and Helen (Green) Ellis.

On November 25, 1945 in Chesterton, he married Dora Jane Carlson, who survives.

He is also survived by sons Larry (Julie) Ellis of Bronson, Bruce (Judith) Ellis of Coldwater, Robert Ellis of Adrian; daughters, Susan (Keith) Moreau of Brisbane, Calif., Lynne Wilson of Coldwater; sister-in-law, Jean Ellis of Chesterton, Ind.; grandchildren Kalyn Parnell, Luke Ellis, Isaac Ellis, Ben Ellis, Jessica Wilson, Robert Wilson, James Walkup and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother Earl Ellis and sister Janice Miller.

Mr. Ellis served in the US Army on the European front and was a veteran of WWII. He came to the Coldwater area in 1956 and was both a carpenter and farmer for many years. Jim was a member of Pine Ridge Bible church in Quincy; he was an avid photographer and taught his photography skills as a 4-H leader for many years. He also housed an extensive camera collection from which he would loan cameras to those in need from his 4-H group.

Jim had a great love of nature, planting thousands of trees during his life and also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was deeply loved by many people and will be sadly missed.

A funeral service, Pastor Rick Nohr of Pine Ridge Bible Church officiating, will be Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Lockwood Cemetery in Ovid Twp.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.

Memorials may be made to Pine Ridge Bible Church or Habitat for Humanity. Visit www.dutcherfh.com

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Posted 10/20/2008