James Eller

Born on February 22, 1935 in Erie, Pennsylvania
Departed in Melbourne, Florida on January 28, 2020

Born in Erie, PA in 1935 to Margaret (Doolittle) and Maurice M. Eller, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Masters of Education Administration degree from Penn State University. He also graduated from the Air Command Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Jim served 27 years in the US Air Force, retiring as a full colonel.. His flying career began in the SAC as a navigator on KC-135 refueling planes, including reconnaissance
missions during the Vietnam war, and finished as Commander of the Defense Contract Administration Services Management Region. After his military service, Jim worked at Harris Corporation in Melbourne for 15 years until his second retirement in 2000.

Jim was a devoted husband and father. He always had time to care about those
around him. He enjoyed playing bridge, stamp collecting and fishing as a younger man
and was an avid traveler in the US and internationally.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jane Rogers, and survived by their children Stephen (Lynn) Eller, Susan Eller Mattes and Amy Eller, his brother David (Elaine) Eller, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren.

Jim married Nancy Clew in 2012 and they moved into Buena Vista Estates in West Melbourne in 2017 where they remained active in the community.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Buena Vida Estates in West Melbourne
on Feb 9, 2020 at 2pm. A military salute and internment will be later at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery

Memorial donations may be made to The Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition or the Brevard Rescue Mission. Inc.

Guestbook Entry

 
 
 
 
 
 
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5 entries.
MARY L Rogers Lemke from Cranberry Township, Pa. wrote on February 7, 2020:
I am so thankful and proud to have had Jim as a brother-in- law. He was a wonderful family member whose home was always welcoming. His exemplary career and committed church work made him one of a kind, the best kind.His life made the world a better place. He will be sadly missed.
Alise Edison from Deer Park wrote on February 5, 2020:
I knew Jim by way of Harris where he was a Contracts Manager. He was a really nice and decent man. I remember him showing me some needlecraft that his wife made, and he was so proud of it. I was very impressed with his good nature. May he rest eternally in peace.
Tom Mease and Steven Wilson from North Carolina wrote on February 4, 2020:
Nancy, We wanted to send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Jim was such a great person and awesome travel companion. We will greatly miss him and easy going nature. Much love to you. Tom and Steven
Mike Ferguson from Indialantic, Fl wrote on February 4, 2020:
My sincerest sympathy to the family of Jim. He worked with us at Harris for 15 years. His work was impecable and professional. Above all, he was a tremendous team player and a great guy. May he rest in peace.
George and Jan Hroch from ENON wrote on February 1, 2020:
We were so honored to have Jim as our friend, starting with meeting on a cruise, traveling the Caribbean and Australia & New Zealand, visiting & staying in Florida, the many phone calls and email "chats". We cherished the cards with specially written notes for birthdays, anniversaries, and other holidays. What a true gentleman who will be missed by many! We'll feel very close to Jim when we are in Destin at his favorite Gulf "home" each year! Our love and sympathy to Nancy, Susan, Amy, Stephen and family! You are in our thoughts and prayers!

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