After along battle with cancer, James D. “Jim” Ellis went home to be with the Lord and the love of his life, Pearl, on Monday, Jan. 31, 2011.

Jim was born July 12, 1929 in rural Erie, Kansas to James Orville and Cecile Ellis. He attended school at Stark where he graduated from Stark High School in 1947.

He lived and worked in this area most of his life and retired from the State of Kansas Environment and Health Department after almost 30 years of service.

Jim was a devoted husband of 60 years and the father of five children. He committed his life working hard to provide for his family, teaching his children his tremendous inner strength, wisdom and his beautiful Faith. His love for the Lord, his family and his friends was admirable beyond words.

He was a member of the First Christian Church and the Masonic Lodge in Chanute.

Jim is survived by his five children, CeCe Mitchell, Don Ellis, Karen Washburn, Janet Rollow and Darilyn Galemore; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Wayne O. Ellis, Chanute; one sister, JoAnn Stoneking, Derby; several nieces and nephews and his three angels Little Karen, Jessica and Tammy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pearl, and one brother and one sister.

Funeral services 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at the First Christian Church in Chanute. Burial will follow at the Shaw Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel.

Memorials in his name may be made to the First Christian Church, God’s Pantry or Horizon Hospice and may be left with the funeral home.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com.