Growing up, James “Jim” Wells of Tucker would always open his Christmas presents before Christmas. Inquisitiveness was a compelling force in Wells’ life. His sister, Katie Wells of Ruston, La., called her brother an “information addict. He was always clipping weird, nutty stories out of newspapers, and if you ever had a question about anything, he would hunt until he found just the right answer.”
For Wells, “every day there was something to celebrate,” said his wife, Elizabeth Wells of Tucker. Not only was Wells simply the kind of man who was optimistic and enthusiastic, but he would also “regularly send updates to his family and friends about what national holiday to be celebrating, whether it was National Talk Like A Pirate Day or National Chocolate Day.”
James “Jim” Michael Wells died of colon cancer in his home in Tucker on Dec. 16. He was 61. A memorial service will be Saturday, at 11 a.m. at Floral Hills Funeral Home. The body was cremated by Floral Hills Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.
A mélange of collections reflected his natural intellectual curiosity. One contained books on space exploration; science fiction novels composed another, and his photographs made up a third. “He would search for great moments,” said his wife. “He liked getting up at the crack of dawn and looking for landscapes out in the country.”
Wells also kept a series of tickets from concerts and plays. His fondness for music originated from his time spent in New Orleans as an offshore welder, when he would attend performances of anything from punk to jazz.
Music was a defining feature in Wells’ life in Georgia as well. A devoted father, Wells attended football games while his son, Hank Wells, played trumpet and trombone in the marching band. He became such a band buff that he acted as treasurer for those four years — and the following six.
Wells was an active stay-at-home father, working part-time as a computer salesman and then as an alternate on the Gwinnett County Board of Equalization in order to spend time with his son and his daughter, Olivia Wells. “He was always fixing things,” said his sister, “If you ever needed something, he would help.” Known for his whimsy, “Jim had a great grin and a good sense of humor.”
Wells “loved his family, loved taking care of his kids and was a very good brother,” his sister attested. “He kept in touch with his friends and family.”
In addition to his wife, Elizabeth, and sister, Katie, Wells is survived by his father, Douglas Wells of Bossier City, La.; sisters Carol Wallace of Shreveport, La., Susie Adey of Virginia and Diane Legendre of LaFayette, La.; brother, David Wells of Allen, Texas; son, Hank Wells of Statesboro, Ga.; and daughter, Olivia Wells of Philadelphia, Pa. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice “Bunny” Wells of Bossier City, La.
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