James Thomas Wells | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Mr. James Thomas Wells, 92, a resident of Vanceboro, passed away Tuesday, December 20,2022, at Vidant Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice.

    A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Pamlico Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

    Mr. Wells was born in Bayview on August 25, 1930, son of Vance and Edna Kilby Wells. He was a veteran having served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 13 years including the Korean Conflict. Mr. Wells was married to the former Gloria Sue Foster who preceded him in death. After serving in the Air Force, Mr. Wells spent several years in Civil Service at Cherry Point before farming until his retirement. He was a member of the Oak Grove Church and Masonic Lodge.

    Mr. Wells is survived by his children Deborah Kay Munday (Dave) of Dry Prong LA, Charles Edward Wells (Julia) of Raleigh NC, and James Andrew Wells (John) of Raleigh NC. His grandchildren Blondell, Kandace, Thomas, Megan and Mark, his siblings Joan Pope of Wilmington NC, Carolyn Humphries of Greenville, NC, and brothers-in-law Herbert Potter and Dal Latham. Great grandchildren Adam, Samantha, Summer, Marissa, Noah, Anna, and Hazel and great-great grandsons Mickey and Nazeer. In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Wells was preceded in death by daughter Katherine Ann Wells, sons Stewart Wayne Wells and Michael Raymond Wells, sisters, Barbara Wells Andrews and Ann Wells Potter, along with brothers Edward Earl Wells and Vance Tyler Wells, Jr.

    James was a man who loved the land and conversations with anyone who would listen. He always had a story, a quip or a joke that would keep you entertained. He grew up with a big family on a rural farm in Washington NC and at the early age of 17, joined the Air Force. For the next 13 years, he spent time in Texas, Washington DC, Newfoundland and Alaska, where he met Gloria Sue Foster.

    James enjoyed farming the land and started growing tobacco and produce in the 1960s. In 1970, he purchased a small farm and lived out his dream of raising various crops. He loved the land and enjoyed educating others on curing tobacco, growing produce, soil conditions and even the weather. As he got older, every weekend you could find him at the local farmer's market selling his produce and enjoying time with customers, other farmers, and old friends. He did this until he was 89. Even though James did not have a lot, he did not know a stranger. He was always giving someone produce for less, helping to change a tire and providing something from his farm that could help someone get by.

    James developed COPD and required oxygen assistance over the last six months, eventually succumbing to terminal pneumonia. He lived a long life and many times talked about the friends he missed that had gone before him. His family is relieved that he is no longer struggling and at peace now that he is with family members gone before him.

    In an effort to find a treatment and cure for COPD, donations in James' memory may be made to the COPD Foundation or to the charity of your choice.

    Memorials may be given in Mr. Wells memory to Service League of Greenville Inpatient Hospice, c/o Vidant Foundation, PO Box 8489, Greenville, NC 27835-8489.

    Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Wells family.