Obituary
James Alexander Wells, born March 2, 1937, in London, England, the only child of Albert James Wells and Susan Kehoe (Harte), died on Friday, August 21, 2026, at approximately 5:00 p.m. at his home in Blue Springs, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City. He was 89 years old.
James spent 65 years in ministry and devoted service to Jesus Christ and His Church. He died peacefully at home, resting in bed with his beloved wife of 65 years, Phyllis Yvonne (DeBerry), at his side.
He leaves behind: his wife, Phyllis; three children, Michael, John (Paula), and Rhonda; eight grandchildren, Allen, Eric, Alyssa, Drake, Kylee, Torey, Chrysanthe, and Vasilea; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and their families.
James, affectionately known as “Jimmy” in his younger years, initially studied to become an organic chemist, with the goal of working in cancer treatment. He spent some time working in a laboratory before his life took a different direction.
In 1957, James responded to a series of evangelistic Bible lectures presented by Evangelist Roderick C. Meredith of the Worldwide Church of God. As a result, he traveled to Pasadena, California, to attend Ambassador College, where he received training in theology and prepared for a life of ministry.
It was at Ambassador College that James met his future wife, Phyllis Yvonne (DeBerry). The two graduated and were married by Roderick C. Meredith on June 11, 1961. Shortly afterward, they traveled to Bricket Wood, England, where James served as a ministerial trainee.
On June 28, 1962, James was ordained to the ministry by Herbert W. Armstrong and given responsibility for pastoring the congregation in Belfast, Northern Ireland. During their seven and a half years in Belfast, James and Phyllis were blessed with three children: Michael James Paul, John Philip, and Rhonda Anne.
After faithfully serving the brethren in Belfast, James and his family moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. There, he served the congregations in Saskatoon and North Battleford, Saskatchewan, for another seven and a half years. The family then returned to Pasadena, California, where James spent a sabbatical year receiving further training at Ambassador University.
In 1977, the family moved to Topeka, Kansas, where James continued faithfully serving the brethren in Topeka and St. Joseph until 1984. He then relocated to Independence, Missouri, and served as an Elder in the Kansas City Living Church of God congregation, a position of service he continued faithfully the rest of his life.
Throughout 65 years of marriage and ministry, James was known for his dedication to God’s work, his commitment to serving others, and his steadfast faith. His life was one of service—to his family, to the congregations he pastored, and above all, to Jesus Christ and His Church.
The funeral will be held Sunday, August 30, 2026, with visitation from 1-3pm and the service from 3-4pm at Langsford Funeral Home, located at 115 SW 3rd St, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, USA. A graveside service will be held the following morning at 10am at the nearby Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery.
James has finished the race.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ” — 2 Timothy 4:7
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and your family. Mr. Wells had an impact, from the begining of his ministry to the end, on 4 generations of my family, all who have respected, loved, and enjoyed his teaching, and knowledge of the truth. We know your loss is great and many will miss him. His devotion and willingness to teach the truth has been inspirational to so many. While he sleeps, awaiting the resurrection, we will continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
In Christian love,
Alana M. Dennis
We are so sorry to hear of your loss! Mr. Wells a wonderful person, loved by and a dear friend to so many, and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
My heart goes out to you Phyllis and the family for your loss.
My Dad, Dr Meredith thought highly of Mr Wells and would be very pleased he has so very faithfully finished his race. I have lovely memories of him reminding me that he knew me when I was first born in London…and I do look forward to seeing him soon! With Our Love,
Rick & Elizabeth Meredith Stafford
Our condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends. May James Rest in Peace.
Ursula Zahnleiter and Son Stephen J. Price.
Mr. Wells was my minister in St. Joseph and baptized my brother, my wife and me the same day. I’m so thankful for his ministry and his faithful service to God and the brethren. The day he died was my 44th “rebirth day.” His steadfast leadership and dedication is much appreciated and inspired me to continue my walk with God, even today. My sincere condolences to your family and I look forward to seeing him at the last trumpet.