After growing up in Cincinnati, OH Jim acquired his GED after enlisting in the United States Marine Corps USMCRD Parris Island, SC on March 22, 1961. He married his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy “Dottie” Loretta Larkin at St. Dominic’s Church on September 28, 1963. They just celebrated 58 years of marriage this year.
Honorably discharged from the USMC November 21, 1966, CoB2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC. Afterwards he began his career as a truck driver in Cincinnati, OH earning the handle of “Cincinnati Kid”, relocating his family to Jacksonville, FL in November 7, 1971 and has resided in the same house in Murray Hill since New Year’s Eve 1971.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by sisters Garnet Ruth Wells (Van Hook) and Gilda May Wells; and brothers Gregory Russell Wells and George Randall Wells.
Surviving, in addition to his wife Dottie Wells, are brother William Roland Wells; three sons James Leslie Wells II, Jeffery Todd Wells, Sr. and Eric Ray Wells; nine grandchildren James Leslie Wells III, Jessica Rae Wells (Baker), John Anthony Wells, Jeffery Todd Wells, II, Cheyenne Larkin Wells, Taylor Nicole Wells (Elkins), Halie Melinda Wells, Marshall Wade Wells and Mary Grace Wells; and thirteen great-grandchildren, Cameron, Caden, Amelia, Whitley, Harmony, Talon, Briden, Emily, Chloe, Alanah Sierra, Oliver and Joseph; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Wells Sr family.
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