James Edward Ely

James Edward Ely, born on August 21, 1941, to parents Edward T. Ely and Celia E. Ely (Lenz) in Neenah, WI, passed away on October 30, 2023.

Jim was the beloved husband of Geraldine L. Ely (Delfosse) whom he married on October 21, 1967, at Martin Luther Church in Neenah, WI. Jim was a proud father to Michael (Crystal) Ely & Gregg (Hope) Ely; Grandfather to Sydney Ely, Jacob Ely & Daniel Ely; Step-Grandfather to Keisha Medley; and Step-Great Grandfather to Jayden Southwood.

Jim attended Neenah High School and was in the US Navy from September 11, 1959, to August 28, 1963, on the USS Johnston DD821. He worked for the Milwaukee Road, Soo Line & Canadian Pacific Railroad from 1964 until his retirement in April of 2001 after 37 years of service.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 52 and enjoyed going fishing and hunting, playing cards at the Legion and spending time with his many friends from the railroad. Jim also went on multiple trips to places like Hawaii, Alaska, Europe and the Panama Canal He also took many bus trips around the US while attending Navy reunions or heading to Neenah to see family and friends.

A visitation will begin at 10a.m. with a memorial service to follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Onalaska, WI on November 13th at 11a.m. Burial to follow at a later date in Neenah, WI. Lunch will be provided at the Onalaska American Legion following services.