James M. Wells, Sr.

James “Shorty” Milton Wells Sr., 80, of Vermilion, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021 at Mercy Regional Medical Center after a short illness. He was born February 19, 1940 in Webbville, KY. He had been a Vermilion resident for the past 60+ years after moving from Kentucky. Jim worked for Ford Motor Company for 38 years before retiring in October of 1997. He was a member of UAW Local #425. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, Friday porch sittings, his mule, Red, and favorite dog, Willy. He was a Gentleman's farmer and boasted frequently about the produce he grew. He loved visits with his sisters, brothers-in-law and watching Cleveland sports, especially the Indians and the Browns. He loved Bluegrass music, annual trips to the Lorain County Fair, returning to Kentucky - his roots, and sharing childhood stories. He worked hard, and loved even harder. As a result, he was loved by many. Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Carol (nee Virgin) Wells of Vermilion, OH, daughters, Terri Thoms, of Vermilion, Cheryl “Cheri” (Douglas) Scheck, of Wellington, and Melissa “Lisa” (Steve) Hoffman, of Vermilion; sons, James (Susan) Wells, Jr. of Vermilion, Mark (Karen) Wells of Birmingham, and Jason (Laura Szabo) Wells of Vermilion; 19 grandchildren, Jessica (Greg) Dickson, Dana (Stephen) Fejedelem, Andy Thoms, Bailey and Brennan Scheck, Jack Wells, Ashley Wells, Kelsey (Zach) Knott, Jacob and Lucas Wells, Maggie and Blake Hoffman, Laura, Jason and Abbey Wells, Ashlee (Bruce) Pollock, Stephanie (Chris) Knapp, Kara and Dylan Szabo; 7 great-grandchildren, Spencer Knott, Greyson Dickson, Annie Fejedelem, Connor, Maddox and Haylee Pollock and Anakin Knapp, 4 sisters, Linda Thompson of Webbville, KY, Myrtle (Floyd) Gump of Webbville, KY, Chloe (Wade) Greene of Webbville, KY and Sara (Jay) Sexton of Willard, KY and 2 brothers, George Wells of Webbville, KY and Tom (Wanda) Wells of Vermilion, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Milton and Rosa Malissa (Lissie) Sparks Wells and his sisters, Virginia Howard, Phyllis Harrell, and Carol Jean Wells. Also, his brother, Carlos Wells, and brothers-in-law, Charles Howard, Robert Harrell, and Earl Thompson. Due to Covid-19, we are asking that people be careful to maintain social distancing, wear masks, and refrain from embracing. Friends and family will be received on Friday, February 19, 2021, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South St. Vermilion, Ohio. Funeral services will be at Harbourtown Community Church, 873 State Street, Vermilion on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11 am. Pastor Gary Sparks of Olive Hill, KY will officiate and be accompanied by vocalist, Keith Sparks of Grayson, KY. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion, OH. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Vermilion Township Volunteer Fire Department 1907 State Road, Vermilion, Ohio 44089. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com