WORCESTER - James "Alton" Ellis, Jr., 68, passed away peacefully early Monday, October 7, 2013 at the Otsego Manor with Jo-Ann by his side.



Alton was born on August 22, 1945 in Sidney, the son of James Alton and Iva (Birdsall) Ellis Sr.



He married Jo-Ann Nelson on May 3, 1980 in Worcester.



For many years, Alton and Jo-Ann owned and operated Ellis Studio & Photo Supply and Carhart Camera. Many of his customers became life long friends which he truly valued. He also worked for J.A. Carmen Trucking, Delta Gulf and was a Worcester Town Justice.



He was proud to have been a past member of the Sidney Drum & Bugle Corps., Worcester Hose Co., SVL Masonic Lodge, Elks Club and the Eagles. Alton enjoyed trapping, hunting, fishing & skeet shooting. He was an avid NASCAR fan.



Alton is survived by his wife, Jo-Ann; two sons, James (Kathy) A. Ellis III of Jackson, MI and Richmond (Wendy) Ellis of Powder Springs, GA; his grandchildren, Samantha (Ryan) Prewett, Shelby, Anthony & Katelyn Ellis & Devan (Keith) Partee; great grandchildren, Kennedy & Jacob Prewett, Didrika Norcross, & Jordan Partee; his sisters, Sharon (Roger) Terry of Calabash, NC and Lavancia (Richard) Chubb of Jacksonville, FL; his brother- in- law, Joseph (Peggy) Nelson III; sister-in-law, Gerri (Wayne) French and several nieces, nephews and cousins.



He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Junne Ellis & his niece, Kathleen Miller.



A funeral mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2013 at St. Joseph's Church, Main Street in Worcester with the Rev. Ronald Green, MM as celebrant.



In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of Alton to the Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197 , St. Joseph's Parish, PO Box 156, Worcester, NY or the American Diabetes Assn.,6390 Fly Road 2nd Floor, East Syracuse, NY 13057.



Condolences may be sent to the family at www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are with the E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester, NY