James Lee "Jamie" Wellman

1969 - 2017

James Lee Wellman unexpectedly left his family and friends to live in his eternal home with Jesus Thursday evening, Jan. 5, 2017. Mr. Wellman was 47. Memorial service: 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the sanctuary of University Christian Church, 2720 S. University Drive. Following the service, family and friends will gather in the church's Fellowhsip Hall. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions to the First Tee of Fort Worth, in his memory, is suggested. Born June 24, 1969, Jamie was raised by his loving parents, Bob and Carole Wellman of Kenova, W.Va. He graduated from Buffalo High School where he loved playing basketball and still remained in contact with many of his hometown friends. After graduating from West Virginia State College with a degree in safety and health education, he earned a master's degree from Texas Christian University in education administration. Jamie began his career as a basketball coach in West Virginia and was honored to coach basketball and volleyball at St. Joseph's, Ceredo-Kenova, Tolsia, and Buffalo high schools and the Buffalo Youth Basketball League. He moved to Fort Worth in 1998 to join the love of his life, Stephanie Stephens, and continued his career as a special education teacher and basketball coach at Burleson, Carter- Riverside and South Hills high schools. In 2005 Jamie was promoted to assistant principal at Western Hills High School and in 2009 was named principal where he was an amazing mentor to his students and faculty. He was a member of University Christian Church in Fort Worth. Jamie and Stephanie were married in 2001 and their life together was completed by the birth of their son, Payne, in 2004. He was an amazing husband and father who loved making memories with his family, teaching his son to play sports, laughing with his wife and sharing his heart with them. Jamie loved to play golf; quote lines from movies; travel to his home in West Virginia; vacation on the beach; watch sports; enjoy a home cooked meal; find a good bargain; and spend time with his family. He was a loyal fan of Marshall University, TCU and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mr. Wellman was honored to be principal to the students, faculty, and coaches at Western Hills High School. He took his role as their leader very personal and made it his mission to ensure their environment was positive and productive. He touched the lives of many students and went above and beyond to be more than a principal but a friend and role model. Jamie had an army of friends and cousins who cherished him and he loved them dearly. His childhood friends, Kenny French and Randy Payton, have remained close throughout the years along with his high school coach and mentor, Jody Burgess. He was loved by many and will be severely missed. He leaves an amazing legacy that makes us all proud to have known him and share his life. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edgar and Louise Wellman and Hurshell and Betty Salmons; and special aunt, Geneva Lou Bellomy. Survivors: In addition to his wife and son, Jamie is survived by his parents, Bob and Carole; a self-less brother to his siblings, Alan and Kathy Wellman and Michele Wellman of Kenova, W.Va.; Dr. Jason and MaryAnn Wellman of Brunswick, Ga., and Dr. Amber Wellman-Carlson of St. Simons Island, Ga.; he was a special uncle to Isaiah, Elijah, Jeremy, Joseph, Jameson and Jill Wellman; and was loved like a son by his in-laws, Herb and Kathy Stephens, who he cherished as if they were his parents and shared many wonderful days together.