Though he retired in 2020, Jim Elliott is a face and name that many in the industry remember fondly as we mourn the loss of his life.

Elliott started at Collins Bus in 1992 as a regional sales manager for its wheelchair and step lift product lines. He then became sales manager of the company's new school bus division before snagging the title of VP of sales and retiring just five years ago.

Before that, he received his bachelor’s in business administration, engineering/industrial management the University of Kansas in 1957. He went on to work at Rubbermaid Industrial Products and Cellular One in sales before finding his way to the yellow bus. It was thanks to meeting company founder Don Collins that he felt the draw to help children with special needs.

Collins Bus released this statement to SBF about Elliott: "The Collins Bus family is deeply saddened by the loss of Jim Elliott who passed away on April 20^th in Hutchinson, Kansas. For over 20 years, Jim was part of the Collins Bus sales team and revered in the school bus industry. He was instrumental in introducing dealers and customers to Multi-Function School Activity Buses (MFSAB). He worked with major childcare companies and countless school districts to transition them from vans to a safer alternative with the MFSAB. An avid golfer, Jim would often be seen practicing his golf swing in countless airports or school bus trade show floors. He was a mentor to many, and to others simply a legend in the school bus industry. Thank you, Jim, for your commitment and friendship. You will be deeply missed."

Joe Leggett, sales business development manager for Radio Engineering Industries (REI), used to work with Elliott at Collins. He shared the following on LinkedIn about Elliott, his longtime friend, mentor, and peer: “To say he was well-liked would be an understatement. He was one of those rare individuals who left every room brighter than he found it — a true gentleman, a steady presence, and a passionate advocate for safety and excellence in our industry. His wisdom shaped countless careers, and his kindness touched even more lives. He wasn’t just a legend because of how long he worked in this space — he was a legend because of how he worked: with heart, humor, tenacity, and humility.”

Many other industry professionals remember Elliott fondly and some shared their memories and condolences on Collins Bus’ LinkedIn post. 

Elliott died April 20, 2025, in Hutchinson, Kansas, where he lived.

Read his obituary online here.