James Christopher Ryan Wells

James Christopher Ryan Wells, age 40 of Murphysboro, passed away Monday, August 10, 2020 suddenly at home. He was born July 1, 1980 to David and Darla (Ellet) Wells in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. A quote from one of James’ favorite authors, J. R. R. Tolkien, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us”. James choose wisely, as he fully devoted his time to inspiring and developing his students to achieve their full potential in life. James was a teacher for the Murphysboro School District, teaching 7th graders at Murphysboro Middle School. As described by one of his students, “James was more than a teacher”. When he wasn’t teaching in the classroom, he was volunteering his time to the MHS Key Club and Drama Club, MMS Builders Club and Drama Club, Murphysboro Apple Festival, Murphysboro Youth Center, and several other community service initiatives. James was also a second-degree black belt and donated his time to teach the discipline of karate to kids at the Murphysboro Youth Center. One of James’ favorite hobbies was videography and photography. He enjoyed capturing life’s special moments, whether it was those of his students or of his family. James is survived by his parents, David and Darla Wells of Murphysboro; sisters, Jennifer (Mike) Throgmorton of Creal Springs and Kelsey (Kyle) Stevens of Thebes; maternal grandmother, Sadie Ellett of Grand Tower; nieces and nephews, Hunter Throgmorton, Colton Throgmorton, Noah Campos Throgmorton and Eli Campos Throgmorton, all of Creal Springs; Bentley Worthen and Adelynn Stevens of Thebes; aunts and uncles, Bernice Wells, Mary Beth (Larry) Baltzell, Gene (Cindy) Ellet, Deneen (Shawn) McMahan, all of Grand Tower; Johnny (Kay) Ellet of Bluffs; Denise (Mike) Hanson of Anna and Kathleen (Jeremy) Freeman of Jacksonville; other relatives, many friends and a host of special students. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James & Susie Wells; maternal grandfather, John Ellet; and a brother-in-law, Ramon Campos. Graveside Service for James Christopher Ryan Wells will be Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 11:00 am in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park with Mr. Robert Henson officiating. Inurnment will follow. Family and friends are ask to go directly to the cemetery. Everyone attending will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Memorials can be made to the Murphysboro School District and will be divided between the MMS and MHS Drama Clubs, MMS Builders Club, and the MHS Key Club. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James Christopher Ryan Wells

July 1, 1980 - August 10, 2020