James A. Ellis

James A. Ellis, 68, of Palestine, IL, passed away on July 23, 2024 at Marshall Rehabilitation and Nursing in Marshall, IL following his battle with renal cancer. Born in Robinson, IL, on August 8, 1955, Jim lived a life that exemplified passion, hard work, and community spirit. His formative years in Palestine were filled with as many adventures as milestones. From Boy Scout endeavors with his mother as his den mother to the sounds of his trumpet resonating in the school band to the thrill of attending drag races with friends, his youthful spirit was palpable. A (let's call it "poorly received") senior year gossip newsletter and covert weekend escapades that found him breaking into school demonstrated the young man's mischievous streak.

Following his graduation from Palestine High School in 1973, Jim ventured into higher education at Lincoln Trail College and Eastern Illinois University. However, he soon decided to return home to support his ailing father and the family business, the Ellis Milling Company, a testament to his deep-rooted sense of responsibility. It was during this pivotal time that Jim met the love of his life, Sandra "Sandy" Earnst. Despite an underwhelming first impression (from both perspectives), their relationship blossomed into an enduring partnership, culminating in marriage on February 26, 1977.

Professionally, Jim was a dedicated businessman who transitioned from running the family mill and grain elevator to capturing his friends and neighbors through the lens of his camera. His businesses, James A. Ellis Photography and The Village Framery, became fixtures on Main Street, symbols of his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for his craft. When he later joined TRW (now ZF) in Marshall, his work ethic never wavered, a reflection of his tireless commitment to providing for his family.

His heart was also irrevocably tethered to the community of Palestine. From serving as a board member of the Palestine Development Association and CUSD #3 to presiding over the Chamber of Commerce, Jim's fingerprints are on many of Palestine's treasured institutions. Initiatives like Christmas on Main Street, the Palestine Bicentennial, the Betsy Reed Festival, and the Wine & Art Festival all took root thanks in part to his drive and innovative mind. It was this creative nature that helped him build the first self-propelled, motorized float for the Labor Day Parade.

His artistic spirit found an outlet at the Fife Opera House, where he played the villain in a melodrama to an audience armed with peanuts. (Jim likely didn't mind these delicious morsels being thrown in his direction, as he notoriously preferred to graze on snacks instead of sitting down for a full meal!) His musical talents shone in the Palestine Alumni Band, and his spiritual service as a ruling elder and trustee at the Palestine First Presbyterian Church was deeply valued for years. His community also was blessed by his green thumb. Every day, he would tend to the Community Garden alongside Sally Shepherd and Don Wagoner and take its produce and fresh eggs to the Palestine Food Pantry to generously help those in need.

Though he did an enormous amount of good for others, he was genuinely unburdened by what people thought of him. His relaxed demeanor and ability to not sweat the small stuff served as a lesson for us all. Even in times of strife, Jim remained the cool head in the room, often diffusing tension with his trademark wit and the reminder that, "If it's the pants you got mad in, it'll be the same pants you'll get glad in." Having inherited his father's sense of humor, it was often hard to take the man seriously. Those closest to him knew that his playful kidding and friendly teasing were merely signs of his affection.

The life of Jim Ellis was a masterclass in living with intention and purpose. He did not aspire to the spotlight, yet his impact illuminated the community he loved. He taught us what it looks like to work hard for the well-being of others, the value of infusing humor into our every day, and how to pursue our passions with creativity and determination. As we honor his memory, let us carry forward his lessons by embedding them into our own lives. If we do, we can be sure of one thing: Jim's legacy won't merely live on within us, but through us; a force for good in the world.

This legacy lives on in the lives of his family: his wife of 47 years, Sandra "Sandy" Ellis; his children, Jeremy Ellis and Megan Ellis; his granddaughter, Lucy Ellis; his sister & brother-in-law, Terri & Lee Herning, and their children, Ben Herning, Kris Herning, and Alex Herning; his sisters-in-law & their husbands, Pam & Jim Hill and Lynn & Ray Brower; his brothers-in-law & their wives, Harold & Angie Green and Kermit & Rhonda Green; his step-mother-in-law, Diane Earnst; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph James "Jack" & Nina (Goff) Ellis, and by his in-laws, Clark Earnst and Howard & Mary Green.

It was Jim's wish to be cremated without a public service. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of these arrangements. In his memory, contributions may be made to the "Palestine Grant-In-Aid Fund", and donations may be sent to the funeral home at PO Box 129, Palestine, IL 62451.