James W. Ellis, Sr., 84, Goshen and formerly of New Paris, passed away Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, at IU Health Goshen Hospital. He had been in failing health the past three years.

He was born Sept. 3, 1931, in Keenes, Ill. to Arthur and Mamie (Williams) Ellis. On March 13, 1948, he married Imogene M. Lane in Mt. Vernon, Ill. She died Aug. 18, 2010.

Mr. Ellis is survived by his son: James W. (Debora) Ellis Jr., New Paris; four grandchildren: Angela (Lenny) Krebs, New Paris; Kimberly (Travis) Saul, Goshen; Amy (Tyler) McCart, Dacula, Ga.; and James W. Ellis III, North Hollywood, Calif.; nine great-grandchildren; sister: Patricia Ellis, Watson, Ill.; and three brothers: Harold Ellis, Phoenix, Ariz.; and Arthur and Darrel Ellis, both of Peoria, Ill. He was preceded in death by his wife; a sister: Mary Donoho; and a brother: Gib Ellis.

A U.S. Army veteran, Mr. Ellis graduated from Indiana State Teacher’s College in 1962 and earned his master’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1966. A New Paris resident since 1962, Mr. Ellis worked as a teacher and guidance counselor at Elkhart Township Junior High, Towncrest Junior High and Goshen Middle School until retiring in 1993. He attended Benton Free Baptist Church and more recently Nappanee Missionary Church. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed being a part of the New Paris coffee group.

Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home where a funeral service will be conducted on 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Burial will follow in New Paris Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Nappanee Missionary Church.