James A. "Jim" Ellett, age 82, departed this world just after sunrise, November 16, 2020 at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska due to complications from Covid-19. He was surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Born December 1, 137, James A. Ellett was the son of Alvin and Emeline (Calhoun) Ellett. He was a life-long resident of North Platte. He was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Jim graduated from North Platte High School in 1956. On November 22, 1956, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Loretta Jarvis. She was his rock for the next 64 years.
In 1961, Jim graduated from Nebraska Vocational Technical School. Two years later he opened Ellett's Automotive Service in a two-car garage behind his parent's restaurant. Over the next 45 years he built a successful business. He was honest and generous, treating both customers and employees with his unwavering attention and care.
Jim was a kind, tender, and generous family man. He had a passion for excellence. He did everything well and he did a lot. Jim Ellett lived large.
In the 1970's, Jim was heavily involved in sprint car racing. He built the engines for the sprint car driven by Ronnie Williams. The Ellett's Automotive Race Team competed at the highest level of the sport. The race car never experienced an engine failure.
Jim was athletic. He was especially fond of basketball, and played varsity basketball for North Platte High School. In midlife, Jim and Loretta became avid tennis players. They also enjoyed downhill skiing. Jim loved water sports. He was a sailor, scuba diver, and expert water skier.
Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman. Much time was spent fishing on Lake McConaughy with friends. On countless mornings, he was in the duck blind or goose pit. Jim enjoyed big adventures! He would take his boat to the Pacific Ocean to fish for salmon. The Columbia river at the Pacific Ocean is one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the world. Jim crossed this waterway many times in his 20-foot boat.
Every summer he took his family on adventure filled vacations.
Jim sold his business and retired in 2007. He was then able to dedicate more time to dog training, a passion of his for the past 23 years. He traveled widely to compete in HRC and AKC Tests. He also competed in local Field Trials. He had many friends in the world of hunting dog retrievers. Jim loved his dogs like family, and of all his adventures, this one brought him the most joy.
Of course, Jim was a huge fan of Nebraska football. He watched his last Husker game with his son a few weeks ago.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Emeline Ellett; a nephew, John Chapman; and a brother-in-law, James Chapman.
He will be missed by his wife, Loretta; his children, James (Jessica) Ellett of North Platte, Nebraska, Kathrine Ellett of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Brenda Ellett Jackson of North Platte, Nebraska; grandchildren Lauren Ellett of North Platte, NE, Alex Ellett Jackson of North Platte, NE, and Georgina Ellett Jackson of North Platte, NE; his nephew, James (Nancy) Chapman of Vista, California; a niece, Jayma (Kevin) Auen of Vista, California; his sister, Janice Chapman of Vista, California; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Larry and Peggy Akin of Vancouver, Washington; and many great niecees, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center. Please send donations to Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, 421 West 4th Street in North Platte, Nebraska and the family will distribute. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Cremation was chosen. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 A.M., August, 12, 2021 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Rev. Patrick Sipes officiating. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.