Ferdinand James Wellman

Ferdinand "Jim" Wellman, born March 19, 1932, in Lafayette, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2023 at home in Surprise, Arizona. A man of exemplary character and versatility, Jim's life was marked by service, ingenuity, and a profound love for his community and family.

Jim's sense of duty led him to serve in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that laid the moral and ethical groundwork for the rest of his life. Following his honorable service, he transitioned to academic pursuits and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in his hometown of Lafayette, Indiana.

During this academic chapter, destiny reunited Jim with his younger brother, David Clarence Wellman, who also attended Purdue in electrical engineering. David had caught up because of Jim’s years of service in the Marine Corps.

The brothers shared many classes and laboratory experiences, further solidifying their fraternal bond and keeping the legacy of all five of the Wellman family attending Purdue University. Jim’s father, Ferdinand, was a three-sport star athlete and scholar at Purdue.

Confronted by the early loss of his father at the tender age of 11, Jim transcended his circumstances to become an unwavering cornerstone for his family. David vividly recalls Jim as a guiding light and an exemplar of virtue. Jim's formative years were shaped in the classroom and within the sacred walls of St. Mary’s School, where he cultivated his spirituality, serving as an Altar Boy.

St. Mary’s was the home of Father John Duffy, a WWII army chaplain imprisoned in a Japanese WWII camp. St. Mary’s and the parish supported the Wellman family after losing their father in 1943.

Jim’s youth also showcased his athletic prowess, with Jim distinguishing himself as a stellar swimmer and a pivotal member of Jefferson High’s inaugural swim team and Indiana state-level swimming competition for the YMCA. Among other events, Jim swam the butterfly, one of the most grueling of swimming races. He was also an excellent diver, often entertaining Flossmoor Country Club guests during college summers with clown diving, which required high skill.

Brother David recalls the snowy days of winter when he and Jim would share the sled. David rode on top while Jim steered. In the summer, David inherited the push lawn mower and the hedge clippers. As Jim gathered other small jobs, David would eventually follow as they raised each other in their formative years.

The deep-rooted connection between the brothers was exemplified when they served as the best men at each other’s weddings, encapsulating a lifetime of shared joys and challenges. Jim met his future wife Mary Wann, a native of Havey, Illinois, at nearby Flossmoor Country Club during summers while at Purdue. After their marriage in 1957, Mary worked as a hair stylist, putting Jim through school in Purdue married housing.

Jim's eldest sister, Mary-Louise, now 95, wistfully recounts tales of their youthful adventures. She recalls with affection Jim’s spirited yet slightly ill-fated attempt to teach her how to drive—an adventure that humorously culminated in a muddy puddle along a rural road. Mary also cherishes memories of early morning jaunts with their father along the scenic Wabash River, where family breakfasts Mary-Louise, Jim, and David were enjoyed under the soft, golden dawn light.

Ellen, Jim’s youngest sister, pays homage to his nurturing and protective essence. During her collegiate years at Purdue, she found sanctuary with Jim and his wife, Mary, who were then living in married student housing. On an occasion when she faced a distressing encounter, Jim was her immediate champion, reaffirming his enduring role as her guardian angel.

Son Fred evokes poignant memories of his father, instilling in him the values of self-reliance, the importance of hard work, and a passion for electronics, alongside the sentimental rites of automobile care. Daughter Tracy fondly remembers a strong, gentle man, particularly fond of cats. Dad was a creative writer, often coining his own vocabulary from some deep midwestern origin. Tracy remembers a soft side of Dad, often tearing up in a movie reading a book or paper. All who knew Dad admired his ability to fix anything.

Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary; son, Fred; daughter, Tracy; siblings, Mary-Louise, David, and Ellen; five grandchildren, Lauren, Jennifer, Melissa, Jessica, and Cameron; and one great-grandson, Oliver-James.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of unbounded affection for his loved ones. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Semper Fidelis, Dad. You were an always faithful, Marine.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Wellman family.