James Oscar Wells Sr.

SFC James Oscar Wells Sr. born May 23, 1932 in McGregor, Texas passed to his eternal home on January 9, 2025 at the age of 92 to join his wife Sadie Marie Wells where we are sure she was impatiently waiting for him. He is survived by his children James Wells Jr., Patricia Wells-Richeson (Angie), Gary Wells (Christy), and 2 step children Sharon Gammon and William Butler. Grandchildren Shanna, Stephanie, Jamie, Jennifer, Daiyonna, Nicky, Anna, Lynne-Marie, 13 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and special friend Patrick Mulligan.

Jim entered the military at 17 years old where he then served his country in the Army for 20 years. He was a green beret in the special forces for 10 years. He received awards for serving in the Korean, Laotian, and Vietnam wars. He was awarded a bronze star, an army commendation medal, 5 awards for good conduct, 8 campaign medals from the special forces. He received numerous certificates of achievement, appreciation, and commendation. He was a specialist in demolition, weapons, flame warfare, lead detachment operations, and combat engineering. He served as an intelligence analyst, recondo trooper, jump master, bridging construction supervisor, combat intelligence NCO, CBR warfare specialist, and was a member of the counter intelligence physical security team.

After retiring from the military he was a state trooper in North Carolina until moving and settling in Virginia where he worked in construction and then owed his own carpentry business for many years. He was a devoted christian and served many years as a deacon at Chapel Church of Christ. He was a member of the VFW, Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad, the ruritans, and the masonic lodge.

Jim was the most giving and kindest husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He took care of those around him with no hesitation and in his final years while battling dementia he still had a loving smile and continued to express his appreciation for those that cared for him.

The family owes a debt of gratitude and appreciation that can never be fully expressed to Helena Mensah. She was Jim’s caregiver the last year of his life. The care, love, and attention that she gave to him is immeasurable. She not only provided loving safe care in his final year, she gave his family the gift of peace knowing he was being loved just like family. She is more than a caregiver, she will always be family to the ones Jim has left behind.

Jim will forever missed by those that love him but his family takes peace in knowing he lived a full life and is now resting in his eternal home and back with his wife Sadie.

There will be a private memorial service held in his honor.