James Ray Wells
Age 82, of Garden City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on James’ tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
James was born on July 8, 1943, in Russellville, Kentucky, the beloved son of Hickman and Dorothy (Nealy) Wells. He also served in the United States Army 3rd Squad 4th Cavalry 25th Division and was a Vietnam War Veteran. His life was centered around faith, music, fine food, travel, friendships, and family. James followed his heart and lived life on his own terms, doing precisely what brought him joy. For more than sixty years, his remarkable voice and musical talent reached people across the world. He sang with the Detroit Concert Choir and the Michigan Opera Theater, knew seemingly every hymn ever written, directed countless choirs, and praised the Lord through his music. His faith and love for sacred music were evident in everything he did. James had a rare gift for connecting with people. He could strike up a friendship with anyone, even the deli clerk at Kroger and people often remarked that they could talk with him for hours. He listened without judgment, offered comfort without pretense, and made others feel truly seen and valued.
He loved his family deeply and touched countless lives in ways he may never have fully realized. His kindness, warmth, and music will be remembered always.
Left to cherish his memory are his loved ones, including Jeffrey Wells, Janine Wells, Joan Norris, and many, many dear friends.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Hickman and Dorothy Wells.
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Jim, you will be greatly missed! I enjoyed being your friend since 1968, Your voice teacher in the 1980’s and working with you on all of the concerts that we did. I enyoyed working together at Redford United Methodist, Bushnell Congregational and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian. My prayers for the family. God Bless!
Jim will definitely be missed. I had the privilege to care for him until the Lord took him home. Although I only knew him a short time, he impacted my total being. His memory will forever be embedded in my soul. Fly high my friend….til we meet again. ❤️
Jim was a very warm and talented man. He was a funny, kind, loving and trustworthy friend. We were friends over 30 years and he was close to my kids. When my son sustained a brain injury, Jim would visit with him and there was much laughter between them. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. My love and condolences go out to all of his family.
Thank You Jim, aka Jimmy, for 36 years of wonderful memories. Thank you for your drama and your humor and you deeply rooted kindnesses and all the parts of you that made you. I treasure sharing Detroit Symphony season tickets seated on the front row of the balcony, an easy chance for you to push me over the edge. I thank you for all of the wonderful meals we shared, together and with our family members. I thank you for all of your phone calls especially in the last few years and how we talked about EVERYTHING. I treasure our last trip to Russellville 3 years ago and visiting your Mom and Dad’s burial spots and then sitting under the massive walnut trees behind Walnut Grove Baptist Church and just really sharing our deep inner thoughts with each other. I thank you for the Summers we got to use the cottage in Leland Michigan and go for a 20 mile bike ride with our new Schwin bicycles and wearing our bodies out. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my life here on earth. I only ask that you save me a seat now that you are watching over all of us. I’ll be there before we know it. Lots of love, my friend. Doug
I am privileged to know you and I’ll see you again soon. I prayed for you and you received the Baptism of Holy Spirit in your car. I’ll never forget the tears running down your face as Jesus touched you.
We spent hundreds of hours together in restaurants, in church, listening to musice, and time on the phone…
You called me your best friend! I just hope I deserve that! The times with you, I promise to never forget!
I love you Jim!