Obituary of James J. Ellsworth

Dateline: Ballston Lake, New York

James J. Ellsworth, 83, of Ballston Lake passed away on Thursday Oct. 31, 2024 at Saratoga Hospital after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was born in Mineville, NY on July 15, 1941 and was the son of the late James Seymour and Ruth Blair Ellsworth. James was educated in the Watervliet School System. James then served honorably in the US Army where he became a Paratrooper. James had been a journeyman for Local 12 in Albany for over 20 years. He then worked for the Saratoga County Sewer District Wastewater treatment facility until his retirement.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and archery, he along with his wife and family were members of the former Round Lake Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed camping with his friends and family where he shared his love for the outdoors. Always active in his community, James was a member of the Clifton Park/Halfmoon Ambulance, where he earned his EMT. He had been a constable for the Town of Halfmoon, and a proud member of the Republican Party Committee, where he worked with many local republican leaders. James enjoyed membership in the F&AM Mechanicville Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Shriners. He also enjoyed wintering in Palm Harbor, Fl with his beloved wife where he made many lifelong friends.

He is the beloved husband of Shirley Baker Ellsworth, whom he married on Nov. 26, 1960; devoted father of James J. Ellsworth, Jr. (the late Michele), Julie A. Ellsworth-DeVoe (Fred), Theresa M. Iwaneczko (Peter) and David J. Ellsworth (Cheryle); brother of Jacqueline Disonell (the late John), Bonnie Ratalsky (Joe), Michael Ellsworth (Debbie), Patrick Ellsworth (Linda) and the late Daniel Ellsworth (surviving Johanna); also survived by his 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. in the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 with a funeral service at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 51 Blossom St. Boston, MA  02114 in Jim’s memory.