Reverend James H. “Jim” Wells, Ozark, Missouri stepped into heaven June 17, 2017. He was born March 9, 1948 in Chillicothe, Missouri to Howard W. and Frances E. (Smith) Wells.
Jim’s ministry has stretched across five decades as pastor, director of missions, and Missouri Baptist Convention Strategic Partners Catalyst. Prior to becoming a state missionary, he served for twelve years as Director of Missions of the Tri-County Baptist Association in southwest Missouri, composed of churches in Christian, Stone and Taney counties. He served as pastor of nine Missouri Baptist churches that remain solid witnesses of the Gospel to this present day. He served as Registration Secretary of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2002-2017.
He received his undergraduate from Hannibal-LaGrange University; the Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Missouri State University; the Master of Divinity degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and an Honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology from Hannibal-LaGrange University.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Survivors include his beloved wife of fifty years, Judy, one daughter, Dana Bower and a granddaughter Anna Bower, all of Ozark, Missouri.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 24, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Ozark, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in his memory to Hannibal-LaGrange University Ministerial Student Scholarship Fund 2800 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, Missouri 63401.