James J. Wells

James J. Wells, 77, of Galesburg, Illinois, died Friday, July 5, 2024, in WoodRidge Supportive Living, Galesburg.

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Graveside services are Noon on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Rock Island National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend should meet at Trimble Pointe, 701 12th Street, Moline, at 11:45a.m.

James “Jim” Joseph Wells was born March 22, 1947, in Galesburg, to Frank and Edna (Kennedy) Wells. He served in the US Army in Vietnam where he earned three bronze stars. He later worked as an Army Recruiter for several years. He married Linda Myers Hoefle in 1991. She died February 19, 2018.

Jim is survived by his first wife, Mary (Garrett) Beasley, their daughter, Michelle (Wells) Hudgins, her husband Dan Hudgins, their son Gabriel Wells, both of Galesburg; a stepdaughter, Lori Kelley of Blythewood, South Carolina; three grandchildren, Kayli Wells of Knoxville, Tavian James of Galesburg, and Lily Hudgins of Macomb; one great-grandchild Veronica Wells; siblings, Maryann Myler of Auburn, Georgia, and Michael Wells of Winder Georgia; nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; a son, Robert Nathan Wells; a step-son, Fred “Butch” Hoefle; and brothers Jack Wells, and Paul Wells.

The family would like to thank Galesburg Woodridge, and Hospice Compassus for the care they provided. 

“You will be missed. Your wit. The sarcasm that came as a consequence of your wit. The bold statements at completely inappropriate times and settings. The unbothered look on your face when someone told you not to say that. Your unwavering will (some would call it stubbornness). The conversations you had. Science, philosophy, nonsense stories from your past. The breadth and depth of your knowledge and experiences was truly admirable. You were well-read, and always looking to learn more. Far from perfect, but deep down you had a good heart. If you could read this, you would probably call it some ‘hippie peace and love bullshit,’ which is why it’s perfect. Rest easy.”

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.