John was born on February 20, 1939 near Adrian, Illinois, the son of Maurice and Frances (Noble) Ellison.

John was an Operator Engineer with the United Engineers Local 150, where he was a lifetime member. He loved to work and recruit young operators to join the union. Following his retirement he enjoyed assisting with the retrieval of cars from dealership auctions. In his spare time, he enjoyed going to different casinos and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.  He was a volunteer coach for the Dallas City boys pee-wee and little league baseball in the 70's,  when his boys were young. Through the years, he was an avid bowler and pool player, playing in many local leagues. He excelled at all he did throughout his life. John enjoyed sitting outside watching cars go by and welcoming anyone who wanted to stop by for a chat.

Survivors include his wife: Joyce; one daughter: Jody Ellison of Carthage; two sons: John David Ellison of Dallas City and Jeffrey (Alicia) Ellison of DeWitt, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Jordan Giberson, Forrest Ellison, Trevor Vorhies, Brady Ellison, Nick Vorhies, Jack Ellison and Annie Ellison and one great-granddaughter: Libby Ellison. Also surviving are two brothers and three sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and three sisters.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City. Burial will follow Harris Cemetery, near Dallas City. The family requests that non-vaccinated individuals in attendance to please wear a face mask.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm until time of services at Banks & Beals.

A memorial fund has been established for Saint Jude's.