James J. Ellis

1972-2025

James J. “Jim” Ellis, 53, of Medford, town of Hammel, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 suddenly and unexpectedly at his home. He was born Sept. 7, 1972 in Milwaukee to Joseph and Virginia (Swiderski) Ellis. He graduated from Medford High School then attended Minnesota State College in Winona, Minn., earning degrees in business and auto mechanics. During college, Jim worked for Dahl Chevrolet in Winona.

On Sept. 18, 1999, Jim married Danielle “Nellie” Peterson at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford. They resided in Medford where Jim worked at the Ford Garage, then went on his own to own and operate Riverside Auto Repair. He then sold the business and worked at Weather Shield and was currently working at Intek Plastics. Nellie preceded him in death on April 1, 2013 due to cancer.

Jim was a very talented person; he was a great welder, could fix anything including cars, guns, anything metal and was constantly working on things that family members broke. In high school, he played the trumpet in the band, then sang in the choir as a baritone during college, and served as a youth group counselor. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his three children, Allen Ellis Polzin, of Medford, Emma Ellis, of Madison, and Maddie Ellis, of Medford; parents, Joe and Virginia Ellis, of Medford; in-laws, Brian and Marla Peterson, of Medford; siblings, Juli Ellis-Eagan, of Henderson, Ky., Nancy (John) Summers, of Owensburg, Ky.; good friends and neighbors, Clayton and Donna Brugge; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial mass was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 25 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating. Burial followed at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford. Visitation was from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are appreciated.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.

Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.

Paid Obituary 177203