James "Jim" Richard Elliott Sr.

Obituary For James "Jim" Richard Elliott Sr.

James (Jim) Richard Elliott Sr., passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, on his farm in Montague, Texas. He was 96 years old. Jim will be remembered for his love of family, friends, the Green Bay Packers, and Texas.

Jim was born on December 19, 1928, in Ringle, Wisconsin. He was the 3rd oldest son of Paul and Dola Pukis. He served in the Navy during WWII and was always proud to be an American, flying our country’s flag daily and teaching his children respect and love for the USA. After his discharge, Jim traveled across the United States twice before falling in love and marrying Joyce Fredette in February 1950. They remained married for 57 years. Jim worked as a machinist (tool and die maker) for over 40 years.

Together they raised 10 children, opened the first commercial go-kart track in the State of Wisconsin and were actively involved in their community through their church and local 4-H organization. Tired of the cold Wisconsin winters, they packed up 8 of the children in 1972 and began an epic journey all over the United States searching for a new home. Later that year, they settled in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The family stayed here until 1975, when Jim and Joyce again moved (now with 4 children) to a place Jim called “The Promised Land,” also known as Texas. They remained in the Denton area until 1995 when they moved to Missouri. In the 1980s, they purchased land in Montague County, formed Circle MEW Farm and became certified by the State of Texas as an Organic Farm. After Joyce passed, Jim returned to his beloved farm in Texas where he remained until his death.

Throughout his life, Jim displayed an unwavering commitment to feeding his family and friends fresh fruits and vegetables from his organic garden. His farm produced fresh vegetables, strawberries, black berries, watermelon, cantaloupes, tomatoes, onions, and chicken eggs. He never tired of sharing his vast knowledge of organic gardening with anyone who wanted to learn. As a beloved Packer fan, Jim would always be recognized through the Montague County area by his trademark Packers cap, shirts, and jackets. Like gardening, he never passed up an opportunity to talk about the Packers or football in general.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Elliott, his daughters Judy Mae and Jean Marie, his son Patrick Lynn, his brothers Paul, Bernard, and William, and his sister, Dorothy.

Jim is survived by his sons James Jr. (Sue), Joe (Anne), and John, his daughters Teresa, Mary, Barbara, Elizabeth (Becky) (Nels), and Nancy (Dennis), his brothers Albert & Lloyd, and sister Ruth Ann. His beloved fur babies, Charlie and Kitty, survived him as well

Jim is the grandfather of 31, the great-grandfather of 29, and great-great-grandfather of 5, all who will miss him dearly as will his friends and neighbors, past and present.

In lieu of a memorial service, his family will host a Celebration of His Life on his beloved farm at a later date.

His life stands as a testament to personal integrity, faith in humanity and unconditional love. Above all else, Jim loved his family, his children, whether his by birth or by claim, their spouses, as well as all his grandchildren, their children, nieces, nephews, neighbors, one and all. He lived his life in such a way that it will continue to inspire those who knew him. Jim leaves behind a collection of cherished memories and invaluable contributions that ensure he will never be forgotten.

Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie, TX.