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James T. Wells

FUNERAL HOME

Southcare Cremation & Funeral Society - Marietta

595 Franklin Gateway SE

Marietta, Georgia

James Wells Obituary

Family-Placed Death Notice

WELLS, James T. JAMES T. WELLS James T. Wells, (Tom or Tommy to friends and family, "Jim" to salesmen) died Mar. 26 at home with his family. Born in Bermuda to the late Ed and Mary Wells of Atlanta on Oct. 23, 1941. He attended Northside High and graduated from Westminster in 1959. He finished Vanderbilt in 1963, majoring in philosophy. Guitar was his genius. A member of Phi Delta Theta, he played in a band The Wild Hots. He served one year in basic and five years in the Army Reserves. In 1964 he wrote his first famous jingle "Meyer and Berkley Diamond Ring." In 1967 he founded Doppler Studios. There he met his soulmate and life partner, voice-over talent, actress, and comedian Janet Meshad Wells. After expanding the company, Tom and Janet moved to Los Angeles in 1974 to pursue greater successes. And what success! Tom wrote the theme to "WKRP in Cincinnati," a piece of pop legend. He scored shows such as "Buffalo Bill," "We Got it Made," "Open All Night," plus commercial jingles and contributions to film. Tom and family moved back to Atlanta to be close to their people, green trees, soul food, and Doppler. He continued to write music for Doppler, Mary and Martha's Place, Earth Day celebrations, and a mystical musical with Janet called Laughing Moon. He continued to play with Tommy George and the Fabulous 50's as well as performing in Nashville for reunions with The Wild Hots. He was an avid tennis player and fisherman. He is survived by his family, his wife Janet, Jason James Wells, Jonathan Meshad Wells, Justin Tucker Wells, several dear cousins and many in-laws he considered "in-loves". Memorial service will be Fri., Mar. 30, 2012, St. Dunstans Church, 4393 Garmon Rd., Atlanta, Ga. 30327. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary and Martha's Place, 4393 Garmon Rd., Atlanta, Ga. 30327 or the National Veterans Foundation, 9841 Airport Blvd. Suite 418, LA, Ca. 90045. Arrangements by SouthCare Cremation Society and Memorial Centers in Marietta (770) 420-5557.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Mar. 28, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for James Wells

17 Entries

Ann Miller

April 2, 2012

What can add about Tom that is not already said? He was Wonderful. Tom and Janet, Janet and Tom - I can't separate the two because they were truly one. It was my joy and pleasure to be Janet and Toms neighbor for almost 9 years when they lived in Sepulveda. My memories are of the privilege to be a part of their lives, of Tom's life. I will never forget his fantastic recipe for red peppers and feta cheese. When I saw him last October, he said he would recognize me in a crowd of strangers. What an honor to hear! I remember his parents, Janet's family - delicious grape leaves made by her mom, Lynn and Chad, and watching Jason grow up. (I was his sponsor for Confirmation). Tom touched our lives in so many ways. His wit, his kindness, his talent. Janet, Jason, Jonathan and Tucker, I feel your loss, you are deeply in my prayers.

George Hart

March 30, 2012

A very special and loving husband and father,
Devoted to family and friends,
Loyal to those that deserved it.
A great tunesmith, writer and poet,
Able to navigate any social/business situation with aplomb.
Capable of making smiles bloom.
His friends were legion.
Love, Penny and George Hart

Sam Zamarripa

March 30, 2012

It is always hard to capture a person in the past, in an obituary, especially for someone who was so good at living. I certainly value the things that Tom accomplished but more than anything I admired his curious nature and his ability to be whimsical with a touch of sarcasm. He was present, sensitive, smart and mischievous all at once. And he married a wonderful woman. What a guy. Sam Zamarripa

Sarah Cotton

March 29, 2012

Tom Wells was one of the first wonderful people I met when I moved to Atlanta in the early 70's. He made me feel welcomed and special. That's just the way he lived his life. I will miss his spirit and smile. My love goes out to his family.

March 29, 2012

Tommy's life is an example of Isaiah 40:31; "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles." Some of us just wait longer than others, but He is always faithful. We will soar together, my brother.
YITB, Dumas Ponder

March 28, 2012

Tommy Wells was a genius.I can't understand how he could string those words together. It was my privilage to play with, and for him. I miss him greatly.

Tommy Knox, Norcross, Ga

March 28, 2012

Dearest Janet,

My heart goes out to you. There are such wonderful memories from the Atlanta days. The sweetest of times. I am sure Tommy is bonding with Peter.
Janice Barnes, Miami

Sally Klaskala

March 28, 2012

We feel we have lost a friend. Everyone in the Northside Hospital Ultrasound Department sends their thoughts and prayers.

Nicole Anderson Ellis

March 28, 2012

I shared the loss with Joe yesterday as we sat in the hallway of Colette's school, early for our parent/teacher meeting. And then, with only the watercolors hanging from the walls for an audience, we sang..."Baby, if you ever wonder, wonder whatever became of me..." It wasn't pretty, but it was beautiful. We love you, Janet. And we love you Tom.

March 28, 2012

Tom Wells was a creative and fun cousin to have shared this life with. I remember him at 6 years old creating songs and music. He leaves a great family and much love for all of us.
Harry Wells

March 28, 2012

May you find comfort in knowing others are thinking about you in your time of need. May you pour your heart out to God and he will comfort you. Psalm 62:8

Gary Talley

March 28, 2012

Tom and I shared the love of music and guitar in general. I'm so glad I got to show him that I could play the solo on "Sultans of Swing." I could tell he was skeptical when I told him I could do it. His shy, Mona Lisa-like smile never changed, no matter what else may have. I'll miss him. Love to Janet and the kids.

March 28, 2012

Psalm 90:10 tells us: "In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; And if because of special mightiness they are eighty years".....May your hearts be filled with loving memories of "happy" times together, as you celebrate a life well-lived!!

My condolences,

Dp (Stone Mountain, GA)

Rob Raynor

March 28, 2012

I grew up to WKRP and loved the theme song....Tom was a musical genius. Condolences to the Wells family.

The Raynor family
Collingwood Ontario, Canada

March 28, 2012

To all the family,
May you seek the comfort of the Lord as only He can know and supply your every need.
My love and prayers in Jesus.
Glancy Dunn W'59
John 3:16

Angela Stanley

March 28, 2012

Tommy and I shared the same passion for laughter. I will miss his divine sense of humor and perfect timing. Very clever man! Huge loss to so many friends.

March 28, 2012

All of Tommy's classmates and friends from Westminster have lost our most creative spirit, he will always be part of the WonderWells, we are lucky to have been part of his life, Tommy and TEVIE

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