Metallurgist and Army Veteran John D. Ellis, Jr. age 79, of Zeeland, passed on to be with his Savior after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. John's life on earth ended at Saint Mary's Mercy Health on March 26, 2022. John and his wife Judy most recently resided in Grand Rapids, and are formerly of Ft. Myers, FL, Zeeland, MI, and Pittsburgh, PA. John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy (Huminski); daughter Liz Van Diepenbos (Mike); daughter in law Dawn Ellis; grandchildren Eric (Sunny), Sarah, Megan and Amy; sister Linda Lawrence-DeCorte (Joe); and sister-in-law Patty Miller (Chip). John was predeceased by his son Michael, and parents John D. Sr and Margaret Buzick. John served as a Military Intelligence Officer in the US Army after graduating with a Metallurgy degree from the Colorado School of Mines where he met his wife Judy (Loretto Heights College). They were married the fall of 1964. John's knowledge of metals and the steel industry led him to a distinguished career while living in Pittsburgh and traveling throughout the world. His "small but mighty" family was John's greatest joy. He loved golfing with his family and friends, singing in barbershop choruses, playing poker with his buddies, and traveling with Judy and their extended family. He will be remembered with a Celebration of Life Memorial Mass at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Holland, MI (480 152nd Ave, Holland, MI 49424) and reception to follow on Saturday, June 25th. If one wishes a memorial contribution may be made to Maryknoll Sisters (P.O. Box 317, Maryknoll, NY 10545).