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James “Cracker” Wells

1946 – 2022

Posted 11/23/22

James Wells, age 76, passed away suddenly at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, Missouri, on November 22, 2022.

James Elliott Wells, affectionately known as “Cracker,” was born on …

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James “Cracker” Wells

1946 – 2022

Posted

James Wells, age 76, passed away suddenly at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, Missouri, on November 22, 2022.

James Elliott Wells, affectionately known as “Cracker,” was born on October 16, 1946, in Boonville, Missouri. He was a son to the late Elliott and Vera “Irene” (Isle) Wells. He attended and graduated from Armstrong High School with the class of 1965. On October 16, 1978, James married Marsha Wilson. They enjoyed over 30 years together until Marsha’s death on March 23, 2009. James worked as a truck driver for most of his life. He started in the trucking business in 1969 and didn’t stop driving until 2009. He continued to work in the trucking industry after ’09 and officially retired in 2014. James owned and operated his own trucking business several times throughout his career. He worked for numerous companies and hauled just about everything. James loved playing cards, especially pitch. He enjoyed fishing and trips to the casino. He also enjoyed attending auctions and going to flea markets. James could also work on and fix just about anything. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Survivors include six children, Kenneth (Ashley) Wells of Boonville, Missouri, Willa (Gordon) Gerlt of Fayette, Missouri, Missy Sharp of Springfield, Missouri, Jerry (Paula) Nelsen of Bona, Missouri, Jeff (Angie) Nelsen of Urbana, Missouri, and Roger Thornton of Springfield, Missouri; 20 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; his significant other, Edith Hosmer, of Stover, Missouri; and two brothers, Kenneth (Sylvia) Wells of Rockport, Texas, and Tracy Wells of Apison, Tennessee. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by an infant sister.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at Boonesboro Cemetery in Franklin, Missouri, with Rev. Harold Young officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Boonesboro Cemetery, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5, & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.