James Eulon Ellis, 82, of Manito, passed away at 3:50pm Monday, July 30, 2018 at Pekin Manor in Pekin. He was born June 1, 1936 in Westport, TN to Johnnie U. and Delia Melton Ellis. He first married the mother of his children, Lucille Ackley; then in 1996 he was re-married to Patricia Colvin at the First Church of the Nazarene in Peoria. Surviving is his wife, Trish; children, Ed Ellis, Rhonda (Matt) Hoppe, David, Lonnie, and Andy Ellis, Olivia (Tyler) Huffman, Chuck (Colleen) Kohler, and David Kohler; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and siblings, Earl Ellis and Linda Kee. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mavis Thomas. Jim grew up in Tennessee and developed a lifelong love for the outdoors there, and especially enjoyed deer hunting. He worked for Caterpillar for 37 years, retiring in 1999, and managed area restaurants as well. For over 40 years, he owned many rental properties, which was a labor of love. He was a hardworking, family man who loved his family and serving the Lord. A funeral service for Jim will be held at 11:00am Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Visitation will be from 5-7:00pm Friday, August 3, 2018 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.