1947
James "Jim"
2025
James "Jim" Albert Ellefson
August 31, 1947 — January 9, 2025
Audubon
James "Jim" Albert Ellefson, age 77, of Audubon, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025, at his home.
Jim was born on August 31, 1947, in Flandreau, South Dakota, to Richard and Eleanor (Herbert) Ellefson. He was baptized and confirmed at Lone Rock Church in Flandreau. Jim graduated from Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota, in 1965, and went on to serve honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart in 1968 for wounds received in action.
Following his military service, Jim pursued a business degree and worked as an assistant manager for several R. M. Harrison Department Stores in Algona, Indianola and Waverly, Iowa. He later became the manager of the Washington, Iowa location. In 1980, Jim became the proud owner of the Ben Franklin store in Audubon, Iowa, and years later opened Jim’s Barber Shop, J.B.’s, also in Audubon, where he worked until his retirement in 2009.
Jim was an avid fisherman, and his love for the sport brought him many cherished memories spent with friends and family. He is now likely sharing stories with all his fishing buddies who have gone before him.
Jim is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Aaron) Kjar, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; three grandchildren, Cole (Madi), Ethan and Megan Kjar; former wife, Jane Austin; two sisters, Ruth (Jim) Jones and Bernice Ruiz; one brother, Ralph (Nancy) Ellefson; two sisters-in-law, June Hunter and Lavon Ellefson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his longtime companion, Marge Christensen; his parents, Richard and Eleanor; four brothers, Alvin, Douglas, and twin infant brothers Gerald and George; and his brother-in-law, Ernest Ruiz.
Private graveside services will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter in Adel, Iowa, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O BOX 201, Audubon, Iowa 50025.
The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is caring for the Ellefson Family at this time.
Jim was born on August 31, 1947, in Flandreau, South Dakota, to Richard and Eleanor (Herbert) Ellefson. He was baptized and confirmed at Lone Rock Church in Flandreau. Jim graduated from Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota, in 1965, and went on to serve honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart in 1968 for wounds received in action.
Following his military service, Jim pursued a business degree and worked as an assistant manager for several R. M. Harrison Department Stores in Algona, Indianola and Waverly, Iowa. He later became the manager of the Washington, Iowa location. In 1980, Jim became the proud owner of the Ben Franklin store in Audubon, Iowa, and years later opened Jim’s Barber Shop, J.B.’s, also in Audubon, where he worked until his retirement in 2009.
Jim was an avid fisherman, and his love for the sport brought him many cherished memories spent with friends and family. He is now likely sharing stories with all his fishing buddies who have gone before him.
Jim is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Aaron) Kjar, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; three grandchildren, Cole (Madi), Ethan and Megan Kjar; former wife, Jane Austin; two sisters, Ruth (Jim) Jones and Bernice Ruiz; one brother, Ralph (Nancy) Ellefson; two sisters-in-law, June Hunter and Lavon Ellefson; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his longtime companion, Marge Christensen; his parents, Richard and Eleanor; four brothers, Alvin, Douglas, and twin infant brothers Gerald and George; and his brother-in-law, Ernest Ruiz.
Private graveside services will be held at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter in Adel, Iowa, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home to P.O BOX 201, Audubon, Iowa 50025.
The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Audubon is caring for the Ellefson Family at this time.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" Albert Ellefson, please visit our flower store.
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