James Joseph Ellis

James J. “Jim” Ellis, 53, of Medford, town of Hammel, died Wednesday, November 19, 2025 suddenly and unexpectedly at his home.

He was born September 7, 1972 in Milwaukee to Joseph and Virginia (Swiderski) Ellis.  He graduated from Medford High School then attended MN State College in Winona, MN, earning degrees in business and auto mechanics.  During college, Jim worked for Dahl Chevrolet in Winona.

On September 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 Intech 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 will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 25 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Fr. Patrick McConnell officiating.  Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Medford.

Visitation will be 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.

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