SHEFFIELD, Mass. — James "Jim" E. Wells, 74, of Bow Wow Road, Sheffield, Mass., passed away on January 10, 2019, at his home surrounded by family.

Jim was born March 24, 1944, in Great Barrington, Mass., to the late Dana and Ruth Twing Wells. A lifelong resident of the area, he attended school at the Sheffield Center and Mount Everett. He then enlisted and served in the U.S. Army from 1965-1971.  He worked in many different fields, with forestry being his favorite.

He married his wife, the late Jean Sharpe, on June 17, 1972, in Great Barrington, Mass., and they settled at their homestead on Bow Wow Road until her death in 2000.

Jim was an avid nature lover, photographer and author, publishing his book "The Rogue Clone" in 2016.  He was a member of the NRA and the VFW Post 6851 in Canaan, Conn. 

Aside from his parents and wife, he is predeceased by his sister, Lenora Keith of Louisiana.  

He is survived by his sisters, Ada Cutting of North Adams, Mass., and Charlotte Watkins of Wisconsin; daughter Bonnie Wells and her life partner Barry Finger; two step-children, Barry Ball and Barbara Harrington; three grandchildren, Bria and Brooke Wells and Jeannette Vallone all of Sheffield, Mass.; a great-grandchild, Matthew Vallone, also of Sheffield, Mass.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral notice: There will be no services at this time. A celebration of his life will be held later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230.