ELKHART -- Jack L. Jellison, 86, of Elkhart, passed away on Thursday evening, March 17, 2011, at Elkhart General Hospital from natural causes.

He was born on July 8, 1924, in Elkhart to Alpha and Garnet (Vance) Jellison.

On Oct. 26, 1946, he married the former Patricia L. Eichholtz in Elkhart. Surviving are his wife, Patricia L. Jellison of Elkhart; sons Thomas L. (Susan) Jellison and Steve C. (Becky) Jellison, both of Elkhart; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and his sister Joyce (Jim) Schauer of Beloit, Wis.

Jack was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Sue Jellison in 2007; brothers Bob, Don and Keith Jellison; and a sister, Miriam Hileman.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a celebration of his life service will begin at 8 p.m. The Rev. David Hudson will officiate. Folding and presenting the flag by the U.S. Army Burial Honors Detail will conclude the evening. The Elkhart Police Department Honor Guard will provide sentry duty.

Officer Jellison was a former Captain and a Elkhart Police officer for 20 years serving from 1952 until 1972; they moved to and lived in Sarasota, Fla., for the next 30 years, where he worked at the First Federal Savings and Loan, in purchasing, security and as a courier, and tended to his fruit trees. They returned to Elkhart about six years ago to be near family.

Jack was a member of The Elkhart F.O.P. Lodge No. 52, D.A.V. Chapter 19 and was a former member of the Elks Lodge.

He served in the U.S Army during WWII with the 348th Harbor Craft Company from 1943 until his honorable discharge in 1946.

Jack was a Tampa Bay Bucs fan, enjoyed doing yard work and tinkering on anything with a motor on it.

Memorials may be given to The Center for Hospice Care or United Cancer Services of Elkhart Co. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

---