It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of longtime friend, colleague and WHNPA member Jim Wells. Jim passed way on Friday, May 11, 2012, and arrangements are pending. Jim was a staff photographer for the New York bureau of the Associated Press from 1970-1973 and as an editorial magazine photographer in West Africa from 1968-1970. Wells was a photographer for ICF Doubleday, the National Geographic Society, a general assignment photographer for Life magazine from 1968-1970, a contract general assignment photographer from 1968-1970 for Time magazine, and Washingtonian magazine. Wells was an adjunct professor of photography at the University of the District of Columbia, a position he has held since 1983, and was a lecturer in photography at Howard University’s College of Fine Arts in Washington, DC from 1978-79. WHNPA president Ron Sachs said: “Jim Wells was one of the most respected members of the WHNPA. He was a pioneer and a teacher. Among his many awards and accolades, Jim was The Exposure Group’s recipient of the 2003 Maurice Sorrell Lifetime Achievement Award. I have had the privilege of knowing Jim for the past 4 decades. It was always a treat for me to see Jim and spend time with him at WHNPA meetings and galas over these many years. Many student photographers at Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia have benefitted from his mentoring and friendship. Jim will be missed. Condolences to his wife Linda and their family.” Jim was a member of the WHNPA since 1968 and many of you remember his smiling face as he handed you your goodie bags at the end of many, many award galas… as recently as last weekend. Jim was a devoted member of the association and will be deeply missed.
The funeral service will be this Saturday, May 19th, in Rankin Chapel on the Howard University campus at 11AM. Just prior there will be a chance to gather with the family from 10-11AM in the Rankin Chapel. Immediately following the services will be repast at the Blackburn Gallery on Howard Campus. Interment will follow at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery at 401 Suitland Road, Suitland, Maryland.
Linda Grant— Jim Wells’ wife — called to say that donations in Jim’s name could be made to the WHNPA Lecture Series. Establishing a recurring educational program – the “Jim Wells Memorial Lecture” – will be a fitting way to keep Jim’s memory and work alive for future generations. You can send contributions for the educational fund to: WHNPA PO Box 7119 Ben Franklin Station Washington, Dc 20144-7119 Check memo notation: Jim Wells lecture fund. Also, we will see that the Wells family receives any cards or letters you wish to send.
