Geoffrey Ellis

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2012.

Geoffrey (Jim) Ellis had his love of trucks hit full swing at the age of 12 when he first started an old Bedford in a paddock and crossed the field. Licensed by 18, he started work in a Bedford tipper. By 1968 he was carting logs in a left-hand drive Diamond T out of Goongerah, Victoria. In 1974 he became an owner driver after purchasing a B-model Mack. The Ellis family lived in Eden and while Jim drove, his dear wife backed him up in the office.

In 1975 Jim upgraded his Mack to a brand new Atkinson and in 1976 he purchased a W Model Kenworth for logging. He has been a devotee of the Kenworth marque since. Having been involved in the logging sector for 45 years of his 50 year career in trucks, Jim says the timber industry is his passion.

One can have a business and still make it home for dinner with the family.

In 2008 Jim decided to downsize his business, Silleg Pty Ltd, from four Kenworths and a Ford Louisville, that were logging out of the Victorian high country, to his beloved custom T900 Kenworth. These days Jim divides his time between adding gold trimming to his truck by hand and hauling hardwood for Vic Forest and private pine loggers. Jim also has a twin steer Albion Reiver that his family can't wait to see him restore.

Jim Ellis estimates he has clocked up an amazing 6.5 million kilometres in heavy haulage during his illustrious trucking career. Jim's son and his granddaughter have followed in his footsteps and also love their industry. The family wonders how long it will take before 'Little Sis' (who is 19 years younger) follows her Grandpa into the family business and the trucking industry.

Jim has stuck to his ideals of training new generations within the industry and has mentored many 'understudies' in his time.

Coming up to 68 years old Jim is still making a heavy haulage footprint, with no sign of retirement. He is his grandaughter's hero and this nomination was proudly made by Jim's granddaughter Leana.