James E. Wells, 74, of Sheffield

James “Jim” E. Wells, 74, of Bow Wow Road, Sheffield, passed away Jan. 10, 2019, at his home surrounded by family.

James Wells

Jim was born March 24, 1944, in Great Barrington to the late Dana and Ruth Twing Wells. A lifelong resident of the area, he attended school at the Sheffield Center School and Mount Everett Regional School. He then enlisted and served in the U.S. Army from 1965–71. He worked in many different fields, with forestry being his favorite. He married his wife, the late Jean Sharpe, June 17, 1972 in Great Barrington and they settled at their homestead on Bow Wow Road until her death in 2000. Jim was an avid nature lover, photographer and author, publishing his book “The Rogue Clone” in 2016. He was a member of the NRA and the VFW Post 6851 in Canaan, Connecticut.

He is survived by his sisters Ada Cutting of North Adams, and Charlotte Watkins of Wisconsin; daughter Bonnie Wells and life partner Barry Finger; two stepchildren: Barry Ball and Barbara Harrington; three grandchildren: Bria and Brooke Wells and Jeannette Vallone, all of Sheffield; great-grandchild Matthew Vallone, also of Sheffield; and many nieces and nephews. Aside from his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sister Lenora Keith of Louisiana.

There will be no services at this time. A celebration of his life will be held later in the spring. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, visit http://www.finnertyandstevens.com.