James Allen Chellis

July 13, 1942 – July 11, 2025

James, Jim, Jimmy passed away from pancreatic cancer two days before his 83rd birthday.

Jim was born in Topeka, KS, and was brought to Portland, OR at one year of age when his parents moved. He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Portland State Univ., BS Education, and Lewis & Clark College, MA Teaching.

Prior to beginning his teaching career, Jim worked for Piggly Wiggly grocery store as a clerk, assistant manager and store manager. He taught 4th and 5th grades at Sitton Elementary and Laurelhurst Elementary for Portland Public Schools. Jim was a member of Portland First Baptist Church for 51 years, and the church archivist. He also participated in Urban Tour Group after retirement, conducting tours of downtown Portland for school age children. Jim was founding member number 10 of the Lionel Collectors Club of America and had an interest in Lionel trains since childhood. He was a member of the Oregon Historical Society, the Portland Art Museum and attended Portland Baroque Orchestra concerts for many years. Jim enjoyed reading about history, listening to music, and enjoyed his art collection.

He loved to travel and considered himself a Europhile. Post retirement, Jimmy took many cruises with his family, and we would sign up for the next cruise while on the current cruise. Jimmy was a man of faith and a gentleman with a quiet demeanor.

Jimmy has a younger brother, Don and sister-in-law Ann in Springfield, younger sister Janice in Portland, nieces Jenny and Sarah, and several grand-nieces and nephews.

Jim will be remembered during the 10:30 First Baptist Church worship service, August 31, 2025.