James "Jim" M. Ellison

A Public Memorial Graveside Service for James M. "Jim" Ellison will be held on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Fridhem Cemetery in rural Funk, Nebraska with Pastors Brian Steinbach and David Wilson officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Martin Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

James Michael "Jim" Ellison, 77 years of age, of Funk, passed away on Wednesday, September 15 2021, at the CHI Health St. Francis in Grand Island, Nebraska.  Jim was born on October 6, 1943, in Charleston, South Carolina, to Mike and Mary Louise (Thomas) Ellison.  In 1953, at the age of 9, the family moved to a farm in Belgrade, Nebraska, where he attended a one room country school. He then attended St. Edward High School, until he entered the service.

In April of 1961, he enlisted into the United States Army in Fort Riley, Kansas. He served 8 years and two tours in the Vietnam War, until his honorable discharge, in June of 1969. While in the service, Jim attended college courses and obtained his Associates Degree in Electronics.

Following his discharge, Jim settled in Aurora, Nebraska and married Karen Cullingham. To this union, two daughters were born: Valerie and Melissa. Jim and Karen spent 8 years in Ogallala, Nebraska, where they owned and operated the Hoof and Horn Restaurant and Lounge. In 1975, they moved back to Aurora and later divorced.

In 1984, Jim moved to Holdrege, Nebraska and began a long career in the insurance business. On May 25, 1984, he was united in marriage to Sherri (Smith) Leach and they made their home in Funk with his two step-daughters, Gina and Stacy Leach.

Jim had many hobbies during his time living in Funk. His main interest was being a Ham Radio Operator. He also enjoyed: oil landscape painting; beekeeping; traveling; camping; computers; photography; reading; hunting; and black powder rendezvous.

He was always busy learning new things and enjoyed visiting with people. Jim was very giving and would help others in any way he could.

Jim attended North Park Assembly of God Church, where he was baptized and volunteered with the bus ministry for many years. Jim was with the Army M.A.R.S. for 10 years, and served as the Phelps County Emergency Coordinator for Radio League. He was a volunteer for the Red Cross, working at the Pentagon after 9/11.

Jim was preceded in death by: his grandparents and parents; mother-in-law, Lily Smith; and brother-in-law, David Smith.

He leaves to mourn his passing; his wife, Sherri of Funk; his two daughters: Valerie Mecher and her husband, Cory of Grand Island, Nebraska; and Melissa Neemann and her husband, Greg of Fairbury, Nebraska; two step-daughters: Gina Schmalz of Holdrege; and Stacy Paulson and her husband, Jon of Cedar Springs, Michigan; 12 grandchildren: Mackenzie VanEssen; Ava Mecher; Michael  Rily;  Edith Neemann; Payton, Brayden, Jaydin, and Raygen Schmalz, and their father, Matt Schmalz; and Natalie, Ethan, Emily, and Gavin Paulson; sister, Joanne Wilson and her husband, David of Funk; brother-in-law, Ron Smith of Holdrege; along with a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family has chosen cremation.  There will be no visitation or viewing.

A memorial has been established in Jim's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements .