James L. Ellenberger

James L. Ellenberger, 54, of Butler passed away unexpectedly Tuesday.

Born on March 15, 1960, he was the son of Robert L. Ellenberger and the late Marlene M. Brown Ellenberger.

He was a 1978 graduate of Butler High School. He worked as a tool and die maker at Spang/Magnetics Division in East Butler, retiring in 2008 with 30 years of service.

Jim was creative and passionate and was a great multitasker. He loved the Christmas season and enjoyed decorating and cooking for his family's holiday parties. He enjoyed traveling and studying history.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle D. Burleigh Ellenberger, who he married on April 17, 1982; his two sons, Justin James and Jesse Ryan Ellenberger of Butler; his father, Robert L. Ellenberger of Butler; his three brothers and their wives, David P. Ellenberger and his wife, Joanne, Donald S. Ellenberger and his wife, Nicolette, and Robert C. Ellenberger and his wife, Sherry, all of Butler; his brother-in-law, Christopher D. Burleigh of Omaha, Neb.; his two uncles; his two nieces; his three nephews; and several cousins.

He was greatly loved by his family and many friends who knew him. He was always considerate of others and was a good listener. He was known for his kindness and generosity. We will miss his smile and his sense of humor.

In addition to his beloved mother, Marlene M. Ellenberger, who passed away on Oct. 31, 2011, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Jack and Tedda Burleigh, and his grandparents, Harry and Bertha Brown and Camden and Dorothy Ellenberger.

Ellenberger— The friends of James L. Ellenberger, who passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, will be received from 4 to 9 p.m. today at theThompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Pastor Dick Jenks of Faith Fellowship Alliance Church officiating. Private burial will take place in the Crown Hill Cemetery, Prospect.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.