James Ernest Ells

1931 - 2020

James Ernest Ells

Fort Collins - James Ernest Ells, beloved father, active member of the First United Presbyterian Church and lover of wildflowers, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 29th, 2020. James was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on June 15, 1931. He had an idyllic childhood growing up in Somerville, MA with his parents and 4 sisters and fondly spoke of the cottage in Gloucester, MA where the family would spend their summers. James was drafted into the Army and fought in the Korean War where he received a purple heart. When he returned home, he sought an education at University of Massachusetts Amherst where he received a bachelor's degree in agriculture. He then went to Michigan State University where he received a master's and PhD. This is where he met and married Marleigh Ann Brooks. In 1961, he moved to Colorado to take a job at Colorado State University where he was employed for 35 years. Upon retirement, he wrote a field guide for identifying wildflowers called "Rocky Mountain Flora". He is survived by his two daughters, Marcia L. Ells and Mary S. Ells, son-in-law Bryan E. Leary and two grandchildren, Aidan J. Leary and Kyra R. Leary. He is also survived by his 3 younger sisters, Marjorie Ells Flynn, Doris Thayer Donohue and Evelyn Gustin Whitehouse as well as many nieces and nephews. He was loved and will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice.