Obituary of James W. Wellman

James Willis Wellman, 79, a much loved husband, father, brother, grand-father, and friend passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2018. He passed at home surrounded by the love of his wife and sons, in Fort Myers, Florida. Jim was born October 17, 1938 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Virginia Barlett Stafford and David Embert Wellman. Jim was preceded in death by his mother Virginia Stafford, father Embert Wellman, step-father DeLeon Stafford, brother Jerry Wellman, and step-sister Kathy Farman. Jim is survived by his wife Georgia Wellman, son James Andrew Wellman, son John Weston Wellman, grand-daughter Channing Wellman, brother Thomas Wellman and sister Dawn Wellman. Jim graduated from Jamestown High School with the class of June 1957. He entered the United States Army in 1957 and was sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky. Jim was then transferred to the Aberdeen, Kentucky Proving Grounds. This was followed by a transfer to Fort Riley, Kansas to be in a special honor guard, "The Vanguards". The Vanguards traveled all around the country representing the armed forces. He did this assignment until his discharge from the military. Jim then attended Jamestown Community College, graduating on June 12, 1962 with honors. While at the community college he was a member of the JCC Phalanx Society which is a society that consists of students who have contributed to social development at Jamestown Community College while maintaining an above average scholastic rating. Jim and Georgia (Rosenborg) Wellman were married on February 12, 1963. They moved to Dearborn, Michigan where they resided. Jim worked for the accounting firm of Ernst & Whinney as a CPA while also attending the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. He received his BBA and MBA in 1965 and 1968. Post – Graduate work was done at St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, New York in 1981. CPA certification was completed in 1966 in Michigan, and 1969 in New York. Jim's and Georgia's son James Andrew Wellman was born in 1966 in Detroit, Michigan and son John Weston Wellman was born in 1969 in Jamestown, New York. The families' residences, included: Dearborn, Michigan, Shadyside Road, Jamestown, Yolande Avenue, West Ellicott, Sanibel, Florida and Fort Myers, Florida. Jim was employed as follows: Ernst & Whinney, Detroit Michigan 1963-1970. During which time he was an Audit Senior for 3 years and Tax Supervisor for 4 years. A family decision was made to leave the Detroit area and resettle in the Western New York area. Jim accepted a position in the Certified Public Accounting firm of Halsted & Corry located in Jamestown, New York. He then established his own Certified Public Accounting practice, after his association with Halsted & Corry. He continued his practice until his passing. Jim also began a teaching career at Jamestown Community College. His teaching career at JCC led him to serving in many capacities, leading Jim to becoming a Professor in Accounting. Jim was also the Athletic Director for J.C.C for the duration of three years. As a professor, Jim was granted a Sabbatical leave from J.C.C. and through contacts with his previous firm of Ernst & Whinney, Jim was assigned to the Continental Office Ernst & Whinney in Brussels, Belgium (May-December) 1980-1983. Jim traveled throughout Europe with his young family while writing External Firm Publications. Jim was honored with the Jamestown Community College Faculty Award for Excellence in 1984. Jim retired from the Jamestown Community College in the year 2000 and moved to Sanibel Island, Florida where he continued his private accounting practice. Jim's professional affiliations were the American Institute of Public Accountants, the New York State Society of Association of Certified Public Accounts and Member of the Faculty Bar of New York State Society of Certified Public Accounts. Jim was also on the Board of Directors for the J.C.C. Foundation until his death. Jim's community affiliations are as follows: President of Board of Jamestown Nurses Association, Late 1970's to Early 1980's. The Board of Directors of Jamestown Civic Ballet Association-1980's, the Agency Relation's Committee and Gifts Solicitor for the United Way of Southern Chautauqua-1980's, Board Member and Treasurer of the Sanibel Moorings Condominium Association, Inc. 1978 - 2018. Jim, in addition to the above was a truly loved and devoted father and husband. He loved life and lived it well. He loved to go fishing, watch sports in person and on television – all sports- but especially the Buffalo Bills. He loved to travel and ate breakfast at his favorite restaurants every morning, sometimes joined by his sons. He read his books and newspaper daily. Jim will be missed so very much by his family and friends. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Lind's Funeral Home, INC. Visitations will be held Friday, August 31 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. at Lind's Funeral Home, 805 West Third Street, Jamestown, N.Y. A funeral service will be held Saturday, September, 1 at 11:00 am at the Lind Funeral Home. Burial will take place at the Pine Hill Cemetery, Falconer, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the J.C.C. Foundation or to the Hospice of Fort Myers. You can make a gift online to the Fort Myers Hospice by credit card to "Donate.HopeHCS.org or mail your check with specific instructions to administrative office at Development Department , 9770 Health Park, Fort Myers, Florida, 33908