Cedar Rapids lawmaker who introduced smoking ban dies

It took a while, but James Wells finally got his way.

The former Cedar Rapids legislator started the campaign to snuff out smoking when in 1975 he proposed a $10 fine for lighting up in public.

When the Iowa Legislature approved a limited ban on smoking in the workplace in 2008, Wells, who died July 6 in Des Moines, said he felt a certain sense of pride and accomplishment.

“It made me happy,” said Wells, then 79. “I was proud to get the ball rolling.”

He recalled he “caught hell” when he introduced his smoking ban 35 years ago.

“But I didn't give up,” he said, not even after one of his colleagues registered his opposition by blowing smoke in Wells' face.

Wells was born Aug. 7, 1928, in Marathon. He worked for Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids until retiring. He served in the Iowa House for 12 year and eight years in the Senate.

In addition to introducing the first no-smoking legislation, he was instrumental in the initiation of state university license plates to help fund scholarships.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley, and daughters, Linda King, Cheryl Meyer and Nancy Lodermeier.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family or to Union Park United Methodist Church, 2305 E. 12th St., Des Moines, IA 50316.