Jim “Louie” Wells Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Eldon Wells died peacefully at his home in the early hours of March 6, 2021 surrounded by his family. He was 83. Jim was born in the Vinita, Oklahoma home of his parents, Herman R. and Vinita (Guilford) Wells on February 5, 1938. He was a proud member of the Shawnee Tribe. Jim graduated from Miami High School in 1957. Jim played football during his high school years. After graduation, Jim took the train to Washington, DC to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He later transferred to the Oklahoma City office. He then worked in Des Moines, Iowa and Grants, New Mexico. He returned to Miami in 1970 to work for the City of Miami Police Department as a Patrol Officer. He was promoted to Patrol Sergeant, then to Lieutenant, working in Patrol before being assigned to the Detective Division. He is known in the law enforcement community as “Louie”. He retired May 30, 1997, and started working for the Ottawa County Sheriff Department the first Monday in June of 1997. Next to his family, his greatest joy in life was upholding the law. Louie retired from law enforcement in 2011. He could not give up being around the officers and retirees. After retirement, Louie spent many years, having coffee at the Sheriff’s Garage trading stories with deputies and retirees. When summer came, he could be found at the softball fields watching his three granddaughters play softball. He continued this until last year. Jim was a baptized member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He attended the Church of Jesus Christ Restoration Branch in Miami. Jim married Nancy Roberson on November 16, 1975, in Miami. She survives of the home. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a brother-in-law Gayle Scruggs, aunts Reba Guilford, Velma Eden and Vola Spradlin; in-laws Jappie and Betty Roberson, and Sister-in-law Susan Roberson Collier. Jim is survived by his wife Nancy Wells, of the home. His son Dennis Wells of Miami, daughter Nicole Panter and husband James. Grandchildren, Trevor Wells, North Carolina; Raegan Panter, Lauren Panter and Halle Brianne Panter, all of Miami. His sister, Lois Scruggs and Uncle Lloyd Guilford. Sister-in-law Kathy Martin, Brothers-in-law Ken Roberson, wife Kay, and Greg Roberson. He had a host of cousins, nephews and nieces, and great nieces and nephews, who either called him uncle Jim of Poppy. He was the ‘American’ Dad to Perla Machado. Fellow officer Andrew Hanson held a special place in Louie’s heart. Casketbearers will be Patrol Officer Andrew Hanson, Ty Roberson, Chief Ray Horn, SGT. Jason Arnold, OHP Trooper Jack Rhinehart and Investigator Aaron Bachman. Honorary Casketbearers will be Glen Yarbrough, Brad Roberson, Scott Roberson, Sammy VanHoose, Mike Payton, area law enforcement and retirees, Gary Reynolds and Don Kropp. A special thank you to Integris Hospice who took exceptional care for Jim. Thanks to Jeannie Palmer, Tina Boswell, Tracy Stubblefield, Monika Price, Dylan Massy, Candace Hayward and Russell Thulin and Dr. Stephens and staff. The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to The Miami Salvation Army.

Jim “Louie” Wells

February 5, 1938 - March 6, 2021