Jesse Leon Wells

Jesse Leon Wells left this world November 26, 2015. He was born July 22, 1933, in Tumwater, Washington, to Auburn and Glee “Conine” Wells; this of course made him a lifetime “Tumwater Boy.” Jess met Barbara “Bobbie” Blake at Olympia High School; it was the start of a love affair that would last 64 years. They were married February 22, 1951 and started building their family: Terry, Kim, Cathy and Jeff, in the family home where they lived for 62 years. Jess was a family man through and through. He will be loved, remembered and missed for his kind heart and for teaching his children values to serve them well in life. He was very involved with his children, and taught them to do and to be their very best. He was proud and honored to be their father. Dad was at his best when he was with his family, enjoying the farm, building, fixing, or just relaxing among his family and friends. Dad served in the US Naval Reserves. His early work life was another “family affair” when he joined his father, quickly advanced to supervisor, and was joined by his brother, Joe, at the Olympia Brewing Co. where he made many lifelong friends. He was the Manager at Pacific Disposal and a volunteer fireman at the McLane Station, but he most enjoyed driving his logging truck for Terry Adams Logging Co. Along with the many remodels to their “country” home, he and Barb started the Wells Christmas Tree Farm. Throughout his life, Dad enjoyed the company of many friends and their families. In our early years, the young Wells family hiked the Goat Rocks and the Pacific Crest Trail when Jeff was just six years old. Summers found the Wells family at Kalaloch, camping and smelting. With autumn, the family moved “camp” to the Methow Valley to hunt Mule Deer. Dad was a “people person,” a man among men, and very good at starting up a conversation with most anyone on most any topic. Wherever we went, Dad and Mom made new friends. Dad and Mom treasured our holiday gatherings, celebrations, and a wedding in our family home, along with plain-old visiting over a cup of coffee with most anyone who dropped in. Dad will be most remembered for his honesty and integrity, being Mom’s safe place to fall, a friend to lean on, a man who would help anyone in need, and a man of conviction (occasionally from an apple box). Jess is survived by Barb, his loving and devoted wife of 64 years; daughters, Terry (Jerry) Johnson, Kim (Phil) Andresen, Cathy (Tom) Turner; son, Jeff Wells; grandchildren, Kate (Sean) Nepper, Devan Ziara, Andrea (Cris) Benn, Jeff (Jacquie) Andresen, Kerry Barnes (Kyle), Richard Turner and Jared Wells (Holly). He is also survived by great grandchildren, Tyndall; Brodeyn, Karylie, and Garrett; Courtney, Cassie and Dakota; Travis, Lauryn and Hailee; Taylor and Jesyka; and great-great grandchild, Bodie Andresen. Jess was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Auburn Wells; and grandchildren, Kristene and Jason. If you wish, donations may be made to Seattle Children’s Medical Center or Tumwater Brewery Historical Foundation. Please leave memories of Jess or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.