Wells, Senator James D.

Senator James D. Wells

Des Moines, Iowa

James D. Wells, 81, passed away July 6, 2010. His life will be celebrated on Saturday, July 10, at noon at Mercy Park Activity Center, 1131 Third St., Des Moines, with a luncheon will follow.

Jim was born Aug. 7, 1928, in Marathon, Iowa, to Florence (Peterson) and Willard W. Wells. After graduating from high school, Jim joined the U.S. Army Reserves and married Shirley Clare. He retired from Quaker Oats and was also a state representative for 12 years and a senator for eight years. Jim was instrumental in the initiation of state university license plates which also helped fund scholarships. He also initiated the right turn on red law and introduced the first non-smoking legislation in the state of Iowa.

After retirement, Jim and Shirley traveled the United States in their RV and settled for eight years in Bella Vista, where the entire family enjoyed spending time. Jim was also an avid Hawkeye and Razorback fan and enjoyed collecting, music and tinkering.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Shirley; daughters, Linda King, Cheryl (Mike) Meyer and Nancy (Dan) Lodermeier; grandchildren, Allison and Evan King, Nicole Reyes and Jordan Meyer, Cody, Shelby and Leah Lodermeier; great-grandchild, Mackenzie Reyes; and sister, Jean Barsness.

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

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