James Edward Ellison

James Edward Ellison, 87, passed away peacefully with family at Garden Square July 17, 2024 in Casper, Wyoming. He was born on July 12, 1937 to Aulden and Ella Ellison in DelRio, Tennessee. He was the eldest of 9 siblings. He grew up in the beautiful Smokey Mountains where he spent his childhood running barefoot through the hills, fishing in many creeks and hunting coons and bears with his hounds. Jim also fought wildfires and helped his father raise tobacco, corn, hogs, and moonshine. His childhood was cut short when his mother passed away from TB when he was only 10 years old. With only a 4th grade education he went out and found work doing odd jobs. When he was 15, he got a job at the cannery in Newport, TN.

 At 19 years old he decided to move to Greer, SC for better wages where he found work at the Greer Mill. While attending church he laid eyes on, in his words, “The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” She was Nancy Clayton, and it was love at first sight. She became his wife on August 30th of 1958 and they shared 65+ more beautiful years together. They had three daughters, Beth, Bettie, and Jamie, who were born in South Carolina. Jim also managed a walk/drive in theatre and worked at The Tire Exchange. After working and saving, Jim was able to own a Gulf Service Station in Greer, SC with his brother-in-law, Robert Caldwell.

 Jim took a trip to visit his Uncle Floyd in Wyoming and the beauty and wide open spaces spoke to him with the promise of new adventures . Just like that he moved his family to Wyoming in 1970.

 He went on to own his own shop, Ellison’s Alignment and Brake Service in Casper, Wyoming. His passion for smoking BBQ led him to own a Catering business with his wife. His love of the scenery and hunting led him to co-operating an outfitting business with longtime friend Bill Hollingsworth. Jim was a very prominent member of the Elks Lodge and the Shriners. He felt very strongly about helping others in need. He gave generously and with all of his heart. He loved fishing, traveling, and learning to fly.

 He was in his element camping, fishing, and hunting with his children and grandchildren and spending time outdoors. He spent many hours on the lake and in the mountains on snowmobiles. His family was his pride and joy. He loved deeply and cherished all of them. Jim had many grandchildren and great grandchildren some were born into the family some were brought in by love. Regardless, he loved them all equally with his whole heart.

 Jim was well known for his sense of humor and joke telling. You could always see when he had a new joke to tell based on the twinkle in his eye. Famous words uttered, “This is a true story.” Jim was an extrovert and never met a stranger he couldn’t strike up a comfortable conversation with no matter the place or time. He always lit up a room when he came in and loved to make people laugh. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

 He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Ellison, parents Aulden and Ella Ellison, step mother, Viola, parents in law Hendrix and Flora Clayton, siblings, Jonita Lundsford, Roger Ellison, JB Ellison, step sister, Peggy May, siblings in law, Alan Lundsford, Robert Caldwell, and Kenneth Clayton, nephew Daniel Ellison, niece Sharon Williams, and nephew, Leslie Lundsford, numerous aunts and uncles.

  He is survived by his daughters, Beth(Ty) Kuehnel, Bettie(John) Johnston, Jamie(Scott) Hobza, grandchildren, Steven(Sheila) Goss-Johnston, Elizabeth Shoupe, Zaccery Johnston, Johnathan Johnston, Danny Rodriguez, Brianna Mason, Patrick(Bailey) Mason, Tyler(Liv) Mason, Casey(Nazareth) Farley, Catey(Steven) Schmidt, Kealey(Daniel) Green, Calley(Travis) Kaltenheuser, Kirstey (Josh) Zorbas, numerous great grandchildren, Siblings, Peggy Jean Caldwell, Venus (Linda) Ellison, Carolyn, Ronnie Ellison, Lester Ellison, siblings in law Buddy Clayton, JR(Becky) Clayton, Wilma Clayton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Donations can be made in Jim’s honor to the Casper Shriners or the Casper Elk’s Lodge.

A visitation is being planned for Wednesday July 24, 2024 at 1 PM at the Casper  Shriners Club with services to follow at 2 PM at the Shriners. To view a livestream of the funeral service use the following link:

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=ce617afb-4d6e-46a2-aa5c-c16d10ccb8f7