James Wells

VISITATION:

4-7 pm, Monday, October 19, 2015 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at church.

SERVICE:

11 a.m. on Tuesday October 20, 2015 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 East Columbia St., Chippewa Fall

James F. Wells, 90, of Chippewa Falls, died Friday, October 16, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire.

Jim was born on May 1, 1925 in Chippewa Falls to Floyd E. and Madeline (Anderson) Wells. He grew up in Chippewa Falls and graduated from Chippewa Falls High School. At the age of 17 he moved to Seattle with his brother and worked in the shipyards. He enlisted in the US Army and served from May 17, 1943 to May 1, 1946.

On December 6, 1949 he married Betty Ferstenou in Pine City, Minnesota. Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing poker and smear, cooking, and woodworking. He enjoyed dancing to polka music and loved family gatherings.

Jim worked for Uniroyal in Eau Claire for 40+ years, retiring in 1986.

Jim is survived by his children, Terry (Jean) Wells of Chippewa Falls, Steve (Kim) Wells of Eau Claire, and Pam (Brad) Moran of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren, Christopher (Betsy), Nathan (Karyn), Amy, Rachel, and Sarah Wells, and Markel (Zandy Stowell) and McKenna Moran; great-grandchildren, Benna, Oliver, Burke, and Mayda Wells; brother, Robert "Andre" (Marilyn) Wells of Chippewa Falls; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty in 1999; infant daughter, Deborah Ann; sisters, Winifred (Ben) Domer and Nancy (James) McLaughlin; and brothers, Floyd Jr. (Delores) Wells and Clifford (Joyce) Wells.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Central Lutheran Church, 28 East Columbia St., Chippewa Falls with Pastor Aaron Sturgis officiating. Private family burial will be at Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm, Monday, October 19, 2015 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!" Mission completed Dad!