It is with deep sadness and profound grief that we announce the passing of Joe Ellis of Saint Paul, Minnesota, at the age of 34. Joe’s unexpected death on June 18, 2025, has sent shockwaves through his family, friends, and everyone who knew him. His passing leaves behind a deep sense of loss that no words can adequately express. Joe’s journey through life was marked by moments of joy, struggles, and challenges, but his absence now creates an undeniable void in the hearts of those who had the privilege of encountering him.
Joe Ellis was a man of complexity—someone whose presence left an impact on everyone he met. Known for his passionate and often explosive nature, Joe was not one to shy away from the intensity of life. His fiery attitude and unpredictable behavior often made him a larger-than-life figure, but it also made him a source of anxiety and tension for those around him at times. Despite the challenges, Joe’s story is one of vulnerability, struggle, and the search for peace—a search that ultimately led him to his untimely passing.
The news of Joe’s death has been met with a range of emotions, from sorrow to confusion, as friends and acquaintances process the weight of his departure. One such individual, Jonny Jamz, shared his thoughts on Facebook, offering a candid and complex reflection on Joe’s life. “No wayyy!!! Why am I only hearing about Joe Ellis passing this morning??! What is actually going on with these guys lately???” Jonny wrote, expressing his shock and disbelief. “Joe, sorry to hear, rest in peace but I’m not going to act like he was the nicest guy especially with the way he has always made people around him feel second best, uncomfortable, and at times wary or scared because of his explosive attitude and behavior.”
While Jonny acknowledged Joe’s difficult nature, he also pointed out the human element of Joe’s story. “I do not blame him for as he was another Ossett, West Yorkshire (Wakefield) lad under the influence, battling addiction, egos and fatherhood. I pray that he is at peace as he made life a nightmare for a lot of us growing up in Gawthorpe/Ossett/Wakefield.” Jonny continued, sharing a perspective that many of Joe’s friends and family may also share—a complicated relationship with someone who, despite his flaws, was still a human being deserving of mercy and compassion. “He was human which means he deserves mercy but there is a reason(s) why me and Joe just never fully connected and at parties I always found him to be slightly over the top, a vibe killer and at times aggressive additionally a bully.”
Jonny’s reflections highlight the complexity of Joe’s personality—someone who, despite his struggles, was still a product of his circumstances. His life was undoubtedly marked by pain, and he wrestled with personal demons that prevented him from truly connecting with those around him. His legacy, as seen through the eyes of those who knew him, is one of internal battles, unaddressed pain, and a longing for peace that was never fully realized during his lifetime.
While Joe’s behavior and attitude may have caused strife in certain relationships, his passing does not erase the fact that he was still deeply loved by those closest to him. Despite his flaws, he had moments of warmth, kindness, and vulnerability. He was a father, son, and friend who longed to be understood, even if those moments were difficult to come by. His life was not without its struggles, but it was also filled with moments of connection, laughter, and love.
As we reflect on Joe’s life and mourn his passing, it is important to remember that behind the complicated man was a human being who was shaped by his experiences. He was a product of his upbringing, his battles with addiction, and the struggles of fatherhood. He carried with him the weight of these challenges, and while they may have affected the way he interacted with the world, they were also a testament to his strength in the face of adversity. Joe’s journey may not have been smooth, but it was real, and it is a reminder that everyone has their own unique path, filled with both light and darkness.
Joe is survived by his family, who will carry his memory with them as they navigate the pain of his loss. His loved ones are left with the bittersweet task of remembering the good moments while also reconciling the painful aspects of his life. As his family, friends, and the community come together to honor his memory, they do so with a deep sense of loss but also with an understanding of the complexities of his existence. Joe’s life may have been difficult, but his story is a reminder of the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in our relationships with others.
The family of Joe Ellis has announced a visitation to be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the Brooks Funeral Home, located at 862 Concordia Ave, St Paul, MN 55104. A celebration of life will follow at 1:00 PM at the same location. During this time, family and friends will gather to pay their respects, share stories, and reflect on the life of a man who, despite his struggles, had a profound impact on those who knew him. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the moments of connection, laughter, and love that Joe shared with those around him, while also acknowledging the complexities and difficulties he faced in his journey.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to a local addiction recovery charity in memory of Joe, as a way to honor the struggles he faced and the work that can still be done to help others facing similar challenges. It is through such acts of generosity that Joe’s legacy can continue—by contributing to the healing and recovery of others who are struggling with the same battles he fought.
As we say goodbye to Joe Ellis, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the complexities of the human experience. His passing is a loss that leaves a void, but it is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the importance of compassion, understanding, and the need to support one another through life’s difficulties. While Joe’s time on this earth was far too short, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his story will serve as a reminder of the power of forgiveness, empathy, and human connection.
Rest in peace, Joe. Your journey may have been challenging, but you will always be remembered with love, and your memory will live on in the lives of those who loved you. May you find the peace and rest you were seeking, and may your loved ones find solace in knowing that you are now at peace.
