James David Ellis, 89

James David Ellis, 89, passed away peacefully at home in Kalispell on April 10, 2014, after a battle with cancer. He was born in Harlem, Mont., on March 22, 1925, and he graduated from high school in Harlem. 

He served in World War II and received a Purple Heart and two Bronze stars while serving in Italy. He loved his country and felt honored to be a veteran. He married Norma Jeanne Day on August 27, 1955. He worked for 35 years at Bethlehem Steel in Seattle.  

When he retired he and his wife Norma returned to his beloved hometown Harlem. He worked part time at Kennedy’s and loved the conversations and was also known to enjoy playing pool. He enjoyed sharing stories of growing up in Montana. He was also known for his love of gardening and sharing his vegetables with friends and neighbors. 

He had a tremendous love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting in Washington and Montana. He was also a tremendous fan of his Seattle Seahawks and Mariners. He and his wife Norma lived in Seattle until moving to Kalispell in 2011.

He is survived by his daughter Diane Mosher (Douglas); His grandchildren Tim Otis (Rebecca) and Ryan Otis (Lacey); His great grandchildren Makayla Otis and Samuel Otis; his nieces and nephews Christine Yody, Susan Fiala, David Ellis and Steve Benedict; his great nieces and nephews Abbey Weber, Kate Ellis and Robert Yody and great-great nephew Brayden Weber. 

Formal services are not planned, his ashes will be spread here in Montana, upon the land he loved so dearly. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.