Senator James D. Wells
July 06, 2010
James D. Wells, 81, passed away on July 6, 2010. His life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 12:00 noon at Mercy Park Activity Center, 1131 3rd St., Des Moines; a luncheon will follow.
Jim was born on August 7, 1928 in Marathon, Iowa to Florence (Peterson) and Willard W. Wells. After graduating from high school, Jim joined the U.S. Army Reserves and married Shirley Clare. He retired from Quaker Oats and was also a State Representative for 12 years and a Senator for 8 years. Jim was instrumental in the initiation of state university license plates which also helped fund scholarships. He also initiated the right turn on red law and introduced the first non-smoking legislation in the state of Iowa. After retirement, Jim and Shirley traveled the United States in their RV and settled for 8 years in Bella Vista where the entire family enjoyed spending time. Jim was also an avid Hawkeye and Razorback fan and enjoyed collecting, music and tinkering.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley; daughters; Linda King, Cheryl (Mike) Meyer, Nancy (Dan) Lodermeier; grandchildren, Allison and Evan King, Nicole Reyes and Jordan Meyer, Cody, Shelby and Leah Lodermeier; great-grandchild, Mackenzie Reyes; and sister, Jean Barsness.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or to Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50316. Condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
JJOHN n DIANNE MARKITAN
07/10/2010
SHIRLEY AND FAMILY, GOD BLESS YOU ALL. GOD BLESS JIM IN HIS JOURNEY.
THINKING OF YOU ALWAYS. I'LL CALL YOU AND WE CAN TALK, WHEN THINGS QUIET DOWN,
MISS TALKIING TO YOU AND SEING YOU. BIG HUGS ALWAYS. DIANNE AND JOHN.
SO SORRY TO HEAQR AQBOUT YOUR LOSS. FRIENDS FOREVER. S.K.P.s
Rich DeMeulenaere
07/09/2010
To the family of Jim Wells I want to thank you one last time for taking me to an Iowa football game and having breakfast at the university Presidents house and sitting in the press box. Your fellow Quaker Oats Bulk Products friend, Rich DeMeulenaere.
Ralph Rosenberg
07/10/2010
Dear Shirley and family,
I was one of many former legislators who had the honor and fortune of serving with Jim in the legislature. He brought dignity and humanity to the State Capitol. He was just a good guy. Iowa is a better place because of Jim's work. My condolences.
Rich & Joan Running
07/10/2010
Dear Shirley and Family,
We will truly miss Jim and are saddened that we cannot attend the service in Des Moines today. We are out of state this weekend and have contacted our daughter and hopefully she can attend.
Jim was a wonderful friend and neighbor. He was the one who suggested that I as an active union member should follow him as a State Representative and later after his retirement as a State Senator. Jim never forgot where he came from and truly represented working people during his 20 years in the Iowa Legislature. I was proud to have worked with Jim on several bills to provide for safer workplaces for all Iowans.
Our condolences to you and your family and please know that Jim was a well respected man by all who knew him. We're sure St. Peter said welcome "Senator".
Shawn Robinson
07/09/2010
Dear Shirley and Girls, I was saddened to hear of the passing of the Senator,what wonderful memories I have of him and the good ole days in Des Moines and here in Cedar Rapids.Dad is very sad at the loss of his buddy and mentor.We have been hearing Jim stories for two days,and are really enjoying the trip back in time.Some of them I remember!Dad gives Jim ALL the credit and rightly so,for his break in politics.Mother Pike is also mentioned, and I'm sure she is sad about his passing.You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time of letting go and saying good-bye.Really it's not good-bye ,it's just see you later!!!Take care and God bless. All our Love,Shawn Robinson Family (daughter of Former Senator Cloyd Robinson)
Kevin Torner
07/09/2010
Shirley - sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I'm thinking of you during this time.
Remeber the good times!
Brenda Buzynski
07/09/2010
Cheryl & Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your Father. I am sorry that I never got the opportunity to meet him. By the stories you have told, he was an incredible man. Hold tight to the memories for comfort and know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Roger & Joyce Schreder
07/08/2010
Shirley and family: we are so sorry to read of Jim's passing. Please know
you and your family are in our prayers.
Joyce & Roger Schreder
Jayne Etchingham (Barnes)
07/08/2010
Okay was Jim Wells one of the coolest Dad's around. I tell you what growing up with Jim and Shirley had to be one of my biggest blessings. Jim took time to listen and always had some fun idea for us. I mean riding the mini-bike made from a lawn mower motor was one of our most favorite events every Sunday night. The first thing that came to my mind when I heard that Jim had passed was how very proud he was of his children. The love he gave to his family and Shirley is priceless and a huge example for us. I sure love you all and my thoughts are with you every step of the way this next year....have a smile on my face though as what a great man Jim was and a man that I am so proud to of know. Love Jayne
Rebecca Blake
07/08/2010
Nancy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Blake
Homesteaders Life Company
Jill and Dean Lambert
07/08/2010
We are sorry to hear the news of The loss of a great husband...awesome Father, Grandfather, and public servant. Are prayers are with you.
Tom Slater
07/08/2010
To Mrs. Wells and the Family of Senator Wells-
I had the pleasure to serve in the Senate with Jim. He was such a gentle and good man, and very dedicated to his work in the legislature and to his constituents. I send my sincere condolences and can only say that for many others who served with Jim and knew him as a colleague and friend, you should be very proud.
Kenn Peterson and Family
07/08/2010
Nancy, Danny and Family,
Our sincerest condolences. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
"A funeral among men is a wedding feast among angels."
May God bless you and your family.
Kenn, Susan, Noah, Matthew and Megan Peterson