James Philip Ell
May 8, 1960 - March 18, 2026
James Philip Ell, 65, of Spruce Grove, Alberta, died at home surrounded by his family and dogs on March 18, 2026.
James was born in Taber, Alberta in 1960 to Philip and Josephine Ell. James spent his working life in road building and maintenance, plant maintenance and operations, and oilfield operations. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and with family.
James is survived by his wife Laura Ell and his children Nathan Ell (Mica) and Noah Ell.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
If you so wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association, Canadian Mental Health Association, or Edmonton Humane Society.
So sorry for the loss of James. He was an awesome guy to work with! He will be very much missed! He loved to come and pick saskatoons in front of our place. And then stay for supper. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Laura and family , I don’t have the words to fully describe the effect James had on me . It’s extremely unlikely I’ll meet another that is as selfless, and kind and it’s impossible that I’ll meet another that was as strong.
James was every day what I wish I could be on our best day.
With my deepest sympathy.
Vern.
To All of James Family and Friends;
Please accept our Sincere Condolences 🙏
May James RIP 🙏
So so sorry for your loss Jamie was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care Sincerely Kevin and Jane Fedoruk and family
So so sorry for your loss Jamie was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care
Laura Nathan and Noah
Greg and I are sending our deepest sympathies to you and your families.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
So long cousin .
We will see you on the other side lots of memories of growing up together on the farm .
Condolences to the family 🙏🙏🙏
Dear Laura, Nathan & Noah,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of James. He was a wonderful person to have know and worked with, and I feel lucky to have known him. My words cannot describe how much I will miss him and how he has helped me over the years and most recently.
Whenever I think of him, I can’t help but smile remembering a trip we took through Drumheller while we were working together. We had to pull over to take a picture in front of the giant dinosaur—just two grown men acting like kids. It’s a memory I’ll always hold onto because it captured his spirit so perfectly. I will also remember what he told me before heading back home from Lacombe. He said “I just want you to be happy dude”. I will stay true to that.
Please know that my thoughts are with you and the boys during this incredibly difficult time. James will be deeply missed by myself and everyone who knew him personally and had the pleasure of working alongside him.
With deepest sympathy,
Eddie
So sorry for your loss
Dear Laura and family – I am very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and condolences to you all.
Nancy Smale
Dear Laura & family – saddened to hear of the passing of your James.
May good memories take place of your sorrow!
You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Sincere condolences, Loen & Ron Fahselt
Vermilion, AB
My sincere condolences to all the family!
Sending Hugs, RIP James
Dear Laura, Nathan & Noah
We were both shocked and saddened to hear of James passing. If there was ever a man to overcome what was thrown at him, I would say James was that man. Such a strong, personable guy, always with a smile and a wave hello. He will truly be missed. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends.
Laura, Nathan, Noah and family, I’m so very sorry to hear that James passed away. Sending my deepest condolences to all of you.
Very sorry to hear of James passing. Prayers to families. Rest in peace James
My deepest condolences to you Laura and to your family. I am saddened by this news. Although James and my paths went different directions in life. The first 25 years are loaded with memories. Some that will never be shared. Rest in peace FUD. And find uncle Wiily and play some ball.
Laura and family
I’m so sorry for your loss, James was a great mentor and friend to me. He always had a way of pointing me in the right direction. I always enjoyed hearing his stories of past adventures, and also seeing all the pictures of your Yukon trips, and his impressive wood working adventures!
Thoughts and prayers,
Jason
This one is hard to take, James came into my life and immediately I knew I had a buddy forever. James was an incredible worker and I was blessed to call him my teammate. We would joke at times saying that we were separated at birth cause you truly were my brother. I will miss our calls, the jokes only we could understand, and the life lessons you shared with me. I know it hasn’t been easy these last few years and I’m so thankful of the time we had. Sending my condolences to Nathan and Noah, and to Laura I’m truly so so sorry for your loss I know words can’t replace the loss but my heart goes out to you for being that pillar to him, you honestly were his best friend!. Rest easy my Friend until we meet again.