James Bennett Wells

December 22, 1942 – January 22, 2024

James Bennett Wells, 81 of Oakland, CA. passed away peacefully on January 22nd surrounded by his loving family at home. Born in Washington DC to Roy and Virginia Wells, he spent his formative years in Parkersburg West Virginia, where he worked as a Grocery Clark at his family-owned grocery store, Wells Grocery located on Grand Central Ave., until he graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1960. A few years out of high school he proudly joined the United States Marine Corps attending Aviation Electricians Mate school, where he became an Aircraft Electrician serving in Vietnam moving all the way up to Sergeant, ending his military career as the commanding officer of the Marine Higher Attack Squadron 542. James was a diehard Marine who lived and breathed the code “Never lie, never cheat or steal; abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity and respect others”. He had courage and commitment. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

After leaving the military he landed a job at UCLA. Life was exciting as he rubbed elbows with legends like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Johnny Carson. An avid tennis player he played with the elites at UCLA, running up and down the tennis court in those little tennis shorts and long legs, he had many admirers. He eventually married and purchased his first home in Redondo Beach, CA at the age of 31.

7 1/2 years later an unfortunate accident occurred sending James to San Quentin State Penitentiary.

For many this may sound odd, and some may not understand, however in James's own words, I quote “My time at San Quentin were some of the best years of my life”. James also said that during his time in San Quentin he met so many wonderful people that helped shape him into the man he was. Most of those people became lifelong friends and were by his side all the way to the end.

During his time at San Quentin, James was involved in many different groups. Some of these groups were the Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin, San Quentin creative writing class, a program of the William James Association. Being in this creative writing class, James had one of his short stories published in the very first book of the Brothers in Pen series, an anthology of short stories, both fiction and memoir. James also performed in the play John Brown's Body produced by director Joe De Francesco. In 2013, Joe released the movie documentary John Brown’s Body at San Quentin Prison. James also started in, Waiting for Godot, a play by Samuel Beckett and Shakespeare's, Much Ado About Nothing.

In December 2001, James Bennett Wells received his Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Liberal Arts from Patten University. In 2007 he received a certificate of completion in HATHA YOGA, in 2008 he was awarded a certificate of proficiency as a production coordinator from CALPIA. The list of certificates James received while incarcerated is many, too many to list. While incarcerated, James made a life changing decision and decided to dedicate his life to Jesus. On April 7th of 2007, he was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. On July 14th, 2011, inmates of all races lined the road going out of the lower yard waving goodbye to James and his close friend Jeff Langnese as they took their first steps into freedom after serving over 20 years.

Moving into Options Recovery transitional housing in Oakland, CA. James began his life all over again.

From attending theater productions, going to see his most favorite band Chicago live in concert, working at the Oakland Coliseum, where he had the opportunity to watch the Oakland Warriors play, even going into their locker room and sending photos to his daughter Diana Lisett bragging that he was standing in front of Stephen Currys locker, he knew she would get a kick out of that. He bought his first car, a Chevrolet Cruze, later trading it in for the car of his dreams, his most beloved 2014 Chevrolet Corvette convertible in his favorite color Laguna blue. He worked so hard for that car and stayed working until he couldn't anymore.

James is Survived by his beloved daughter Diana Lisett Aburto-Preza, his cherished grandson, Cristian Alexander Preza, his precious granddaughter, Sofia Lena Preza and many families and friends all over the globe.

Your family will continue your legacy for the rest of our lives. You will be forever in our hearts. We promise we will make you proud. Dad, we love you so very much.

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