James Dennis Wells

James Dennis “JD” Wells had the good fortune of being present at a days-long celebration of his own life during his final time on this planet.

With his family sitting bedside in a loving circle, he heard of the many ways in which he was cherished by friends during the many phases of his full life, listened as his musical companions serenaded him into gentle slumber and felt their warm farewell embraces. It was a well-deserved oasis after years of illness. His family will treasure the stories that were heard of his life of kindness and good humor.

JD was born on April 14, 1949, to Robert Rainey Wells and Martha Brunk Wells in Phoenix. He was the oldest of three, and was a caring big brother to his sisters, Christine and Linda. They formed a strong bond that lasted throughout their lifetimes.

He had fond memories of exploring the Arizona desert with his tribe of cousins during family gatherings and camping with family in remote areas. He attended Central High School in Phoenix, followed by Phoenix Community College and Arizona State University. He also worked in the family business, Modern Drywall.

In 1969, JD married Marilyn O’Leary in Phoenix. They had a son, Joseph Dylan Wells. They soon struck out for a new life, moving their family to Seattle. He was invigorated by the move to the Northwest, and began to pursue creative interests.

He had wonderful memories of being part of Professor Pyzmire’s Traveling Magical Show with friends from his youth who had also landed in Seattle. Here, he was able to put his natural grace and athleticism to good use in juggling, tightrope walking and thrilling children by walking on stilts, a side benefit from his years of drywall work. His marriage ended in divorce, and he left Seattle.

In 1982, he arrived in Portland to begin a new chapter of his life, led there by another friend from Phoenix, who hired him to work at Portland Parks & Recreation. Two years later, this friend led him to Seaside, where he was hired to be the bookkeeper at Sunset Empire Park and Recreation District — a job for which he had no prior experience.

This friend quickly recognized his incredible intelligence and integrity. He was able to master anything he set his mind to. With a curious mind and hands skilled to do many things, he moved into new roles at the district.

For a time, he maintained the pool and grounds before he became interested in computers. He spent many evenings at home studying so he could move into the role as the first information technologist for the district. He held this position until his retirement.

Carolyn Merten had moved to Seaside from Los Angeles just six months before JD’s arrival. Unbeknownst to both of them, she had exerted a magnetic force. She was an avid swimmer. The rest, as they say, is history. They had their first date in February 1986 and never looked back.

In 1988 they welcomed their son, Skyler Rainey Wells. In 1998, they traveled to China to bring home their daughter, Leigh Michelle Wells. His wife and children became the center of his life.

JD’s approach to parenting reflected his approach to life: it was done with care, empathy, humor, dedication and love. He took special interest in whatever his children were doing, from the tiniest of fleeting hobbies to the most important aspects of their lives: career paths, friendships and life partners.

He derived great joy from watching his children grow into the adults they are now. He was always there for a phone call, either for advice during the hard times or for someone to gush to during the good times. He was steadfast and reliable, and provided an immense backbone of support for his kids.

He was a man of many interests. Carolyn has to admit that, perhaps, surfing exerted an equal pull to Seaside. He loved being in the water and surf checks at The Cove became a regular feature in his children’s life. He never grumbled when his family responsibilities limited his surfing time, a sign of his discipline and dedication.

Within a few months of arriving in Clatsop County, he attached himself to the volunteer corps at KMUN. His first program was a poetry show, but over the years he hosted several musical programs. He created the original Dario Charnay, and was so delighted when Skyler took on the mantle, creating The Son of Dario Charnay Show.

His musical choices were wide ranging and interesting, and his soft, gentle voice was instantly recognizable. It was his great pleasure to be hired there for his old bookkeeping skills after his retirement from the recreation department. He enjoyed being part of the small, supportive staff.

Music was a large part of his life. He played several instruments, but chose to focus on the bass. Since his passing, we have enjoyed trying to compile a complete list of the names of all the bands he was in and collaborations he made, sure that we are missing one or two. Blues, rock, folk, bluegrass — he was up for anything, as long as he was sharing musical creations. He passed this love on to his children, and they will treasure making music with his instruments.

In each of the three homes they shared, JD created a garden space for Carolyn. His masterpiece is at their current home, where he turned a blackberry-covered slope with a bay view into a beautifully tiered garden that is rich in fruits and vegetables. She will find years of solace in their shared endeavor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved sister, Christine. He is survived by his sister, Linda; his loving wife of 37 years, Carolyn; his sons, Joseph and Skyler; and his daughter, Leigh.

We are sending off an exceptional man. We will miss his intelligence, his good-heartedness, his wisdom, his humor, and his thoughtful and principled approach to life. We rejoice that he has been released from his recent years of ill health. Most of all, we will forever miss the steady but compelling bass line that supported our own four-piece family band.

A celebration of life is being held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 23 at the McTavish Room at the Liberty Theatre. A lunch will be served.

Memorials and remembrances can be made to the Endowment Fund at KMUN.