James Oscar Wells, Jr., 87, of Rochester, passed away at 10:58 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, at Parkview Regional Hospital, Fort Wayne.

On July 22, 1927, Jim was born in Peru to James Oscar and Dolly May Harmon Wells Sr. Growing up he shared his childhood with a brother Gene. In 1945 he graduated from Peru High School. Answering the call of patriotism, Jim enlisted with the United States Army. He was a member of the 114th Army ground force band. His stint with the European tour was completed during the occupational phase.

Following his honorable discharge, Jim returned stateside, enrolling at Earlham College where he studied economics and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1951. He continued his formal education at Valparaiso University Law School graduating in 1965. He later spent two summers studying economics in Mexico City.

Jim first married Jean Justine Smith. Their union produced a son, James Oscar Wells III.

The Well’s Law Office opened in 1966, as Jim provided many clients around the area with legal assistance. He and Christine retired in 2014 after nearly a half century of continuous service. For a period of multiple terms he served Fulton County as prosecuting attorney.

With agriculture emblazoned in his heart, Jim loved farming west of Rochester. The spring of the year presented opportunities to probe for tiles, an area of his expertise. He was very skilled at digging by hand with his shovel.

An accomplished cross-country skier, in 1985 Jim took a ski trip to Russia. With great skill, stamina and endurance he garnered the attention of Sports Illustrated, being featured for his skiing prowess. He was also written up in other cross-country ski journals over the years.

On Dec. 23, 1989, Jim and Christine Whitmore were married near Rochester. They recently celebrated 25 years of life’s adventures. In addition to sharing the interest of law, Jim and Christine enjoyed many travels together. Their favorite destinations are Switzerland, South Padre Island, Texas, and Sioux St. Marie, Mich., where they enjoyed trekking the trails of cross country skiing. Each summer they traveled multiple times to Stratford, Ontario, to enjoy the Shakespeare Festival.

In 2006, Jim traveled with fellow alumni of Earlham College on a peace mission to Palestine. They met and conferenced with the Palestinians several times. From that powerful mission trip, Jim garnered a new appreciation and great compassion for them.

The summer of 2014 brought on yet another adventure. Oscar and Jim traveled to Alaska. Trekking out on their own agenda via motor coach, Jim was intrigued with the wildlife unique to the area and enjoyed the inherent beauty of the landscape.

Jim volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America eventually receiving the Silver Beaver award for his efforts. He worked for the benefit of the council and also helped with our local scout troop 219. Some of the adventures he enjoyed with troop 219 included trips to Philmont, Maine and a five day climb of Mount Rainer in which all participants  summited successfully.

To relax, Jim and Christine listened to the music of Cole Porter and classical composers, of which Handel’s Messiah was his favorite. They also enjoyed Shakespeare. Jim enjoyed reading poetry and was an author of poetry. Each day brought on new observations while seated at the kitchen table. They created a wildlife sanctuary with multiple feeding stations befriending the birds, deer and squirrels that visited their backyard.

Left to cherish Jim’s memory are his wife: Christine; and their blended family: James Oscar Wells III and Mendi Carroll, Rochester; Mike Kline and wife Missy, Nashville; Cindy Courson and husband Brian, Danville, Ill.; Charlene Baillieul and husband Scot, Rochester; Rebecca Johnson and husband Jared, Carmel; grandchildren: Oliver Greely Wells and wife Kristie; Emily Jean Wells; James “Auggie” Oscar Wells IV; Matthew, Zachery, Jacob, Anya and Elias Kline, Isabella, Connor, Caleb and Jessica Courson; Leiton and Brodey Baillieul; Evan and Ashton Johnson; a great-grandson: Owen Grissom Wells.

Preceding Jim in death are his parents and two brothers: Eugene Harmon Wells; one in infancy; and his former wife: Jean.

The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 4, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. His family requests casual attire. Military rites will be accorded by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the US Army Honor’s Team at 6 p.m.