Jim Elliott

Doyle James Elliott — known to everyone who loved him as “Jim” — passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, quiet devotion, and a life lived fully in the company of those he cherished most. Born on March 13, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Jim was raised by his parents, Doyle Wayne and Dorothy Jane Elliott.

Jim came of age in West Michigan, graduating from Godwin Heights High School before answering the call to serve his country in the United States AirForce. After service, Jim showed up faithfully as an employee of Columbian Storage and Transfer for 35 years, a testament to the kind of steady, reliable character that defined him. But retirement did not slow him down. He went on to spend 18 years as a school bus driver, greeting children each day with the same warmth he showed his own family.

Perhaps the most important moment of Jim’s young life happened long before any of that — in 7th grade, when he met the girl who would become his everything. He and Marcia Rose Welch grew up together and made it official on July 12, 1963, beginning a marriage that became the cornerstone of his world. Together they built a family and a life that Jim treasured more than anything else.

Jim was a man of simple, genuine pleasures. He loved being outdoors — on the water boating, out on the golf course, in the woods hunting, or by the water’s edge fishing. He loved building things with his hands and spending time with his loved ones. He brought his signature warmth to every family gathering, and loved his grandkids, great grandkids, and all the nieces, nephews, and friends in his life. In the last few years, his loyal dog Buzz was never far from his side.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Marcia Rose Elliott; his sons, Greg and Pam Elliott, Ken and Tracy Elliott; grandchildren, Matt Elliott, Danielle and Tim Haskins, Hayley Elliott, Chase and Megan Elliott, Hannah and Terry Chartrand, Casey and Todd Wilmore, and Caitlin and Tate Jeurink; and fourteen great-grandchildren: Jake, Aric, Ava, Isla, Cruz, Griffin, Rowan, Everly, Nash, Nora, Knox, Briggs, Hudson, and Weller; his sister, Betty Krueger; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition, Jim is survived by those he considered family, including Todd and Enilda Harig, Amy and Christopher Stevens, Jeff and Lisa Harig, Mike Pawson, and many dear, close lifelong friends. 

Services will be held at MKD Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr SW. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26 from 4-7 pm and Friday, March 27 from 12:30-1:30 pm. Funeral Services will be 1:30-2:30 pm on Friday, March 27. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Corewell Health Hospice.