John J. "Jim" Ellingsworth

John "Jim" Ellingsworth, age 89 of Hartford, Wisconsin passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife by his side.
John was born on July 8, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to John and Alice Ellingsworth. He grew up in Butler, attending St. Agnes Catholic grade school and Custer High School in Milwaukee.
In 1954, Jim met Barbara Ehley in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. After four years, Jim married Barb on February 1, 1958, and together they built a life filled with family, compassion, and love. They raised their family in the heart of Sussex and later moved to Merton, where Jim lovingly built a hobby farm that was enjoyed by all. Jim was a devoted, generous, and loyal husband and father, always thinking of his wife and children in everything he did.
Over the years, Jim and Barb developed their lakeside property in Wautoma. Jim proudly built an A-frame cottage, which later grew into their dream home. By design this was a place that would hold a lifetime of memories with their children, family friends, and later, their grandchildren. Jim also enjoyed being a snowbird, spending winters vacationing with his wife at their home in Inverness, Florida after his retirement.
Jim's strong, indelible work ethic was established and recognized early. He began his career at the plastics factory Brown Holbart in Milwaukee in 1954 moving swiftly from 3rd shift through the ranks to 1st shift in 1983. Jim wound down his career at PM Plastics in Pewaukee and finally retired in 2000. He worked a total of 46 years in the factory. Throughout those years, Jim worked several side jobs, delivering meals to homebound for 'Meals on Wheels', getting kids safely to and from schools as a local school bus driver, and working at a local nursery. Jim's side jobs were hard work that he had an appreciation for. Jim was dedicated and he worked hard for what he had.
Jim was a true gearhead with a deep love for cars, especially Fords, attending many car shows over the years and taking great pride in his Ford Model 8. His passion for motorsports was evident in his Sunday routine, which was centered around watching the NASCAR race from the comfort of his recliner. Beyond his automotive interests, Jim was a man of fine craftsmanship. He was known as someone who could fix just about anything, and his talent extended to creating beautiful, handcrafted birdhouses for his family members, which now stand as a loving and lasting tribute to him. His strength was great, and his sense of humor was contagious.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Barbara, and their five wonderful children: Peter (Caudia) Ellingsworth, Tom (Barb) Ellingsworth, Terri (Bill) Booth, Doug (Jenny) Ellingsworth, and Lisa (Bob) Jewell. Jim loved to spend time with his six loving grandchildren: Ahnna, Haley, Alex (Heidi), Jordan, Lucas (Catarina), and Adell. Jim was blessed with his first Great grandson this year, Owen Ellingsworth.
Jim was also loved by his sister, Kathleen Casey. Jim leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly.
Jim was loved deeply by each and every one of his family members.
Jim was welcomed into eternal life by his beloved parents, John and Alice Ellingsworth, his devoted sister, Patricia Christiansen, and his brother, Donald Ellingsworth.
Memorial Services for Jim will be held on November 28, 2025, at Wisconsin Memorial Park (13235 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI 53005) in the Chapel of Chimes. Family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. until the start of service at 11:00 a.m. Further fellowship and food will be held following the service.