Ellis, JamesJames (Jim) Ellis, age 72, passed away on February 17, 2017. Jim was born on October 20, 1944, the youngest child of his parents Calvin and Esther Ellis. Jim attended Waukau and Omro schools before graduating from Omro High School in 1962. After high school, Jim earned a bachelor degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1966.Jim married Leah Otto on March 1, 1969. They lived in Ripon for many years before moving to their home in the town of Nepeuskun. Together they raised two daughters. After 38 years of working at Alliance, Jim retired in 2006. In his spare time Jim enjoyed the outdoors, racing, and exploring his family tree. Left to grieve his death are his two daughters and two grandchildren: Angie Newell and her daughter, Trisha (Oshkosh); Teri and her son, Drew (Neenah). He is survived by his big brothers: Tom and his wife Donna (Omro); Ray and his wife Lila (Waukau); Leah's siblings: Frank Otto and his wife Sue (DePere); Cindy Luethy and her husband Jim (Oshkosh). He is also survived by brother-in-law Elton Wegner and his wife Elaine (Van Dyne). He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, friends, co-workers, classmates and church family who were very dear to him. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Leah, his brother Claude, and his sister Patsy.Visitation will be Tuesday, February 21, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Kwiatkowski Funeral Home in Omro and then again on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Neil Wilson officiating. Jim will be laid to rest next to his wife at the Waukau Cemetery.The family wishes to thank Affinity Visiting Nurses hospice care workers, and the physicians who helped Jim as his health deteriorated over the years. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established for a family scholarship fund for deserving youth in the area.