James (Sarge) William Russell-Wells, 51, of Deep River passed away unexpectedly Aug. 2. He was born in New London on June 11, 1967, to Regina Denkiewicz-Russell and Raymond James Wells. He grew up in Essex, but spent many summers at the family cottage at Mumford’s Cove in Groton. He was a graduate of Valley Regional High School in Deep River.
He is survived by his soulmate Stacey Wells (Gardner) of Deep River; his mother-in-law Susan Houghten Gardner of Killingworth; his beloved son Broden Wells; and his mother Heather Birdsey of Haddam Neck. He also leaves his stepson Edward Heft, his wife Erica, and their son Landon (Chachi), and stepdaughter Cheryl Heft and her daughter Corinne Fowler, all of Deep River. He is also survived by a sister, Denise Mislick of Deep River; brothers Frederick Russell of Deep River and Daniel Russell of Westbrook; brother-in-law David MacDonald also of Deep River; and many first and second nieces and nephews whom he adored. He was predeceased by his sister Theresa MacDonald and brother-in-law John Mislick, Jr., (Chico) both formerly of Deep River.
Jamie was a welder (tin knocker) and truck driver for Gem Mechanical Services, Inc. But his true passion was crafting his special brew. He loved to oversee all aspects of planned functions with his variety of talents such as cooking and party planning. His others hobbies included traveling, Nascar, golf tournaments, crafting model race cars, and building life-size race and demolition cars with his nephew Joshua Mislick. He enjoyed his trucks and other “big boy toys.” He was a lifetime member of the Scandinavian United Society (Swede Club), helping to maintain the facility for many years. Jamie will be best known for his true friendships, laugh, and love and care for his family and close friends, including taking his godfather role very seriously. If you ever needed help, Jamie would be the first person to lend a hand without hesitation.
Memorial services will be private, but a church service for friends and family will be held at 2 p.m. at the Deep River Congregational Church on Aug. 12. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Jamie’s name to St. Jude’s Transplant Division, Deep River Congregational Church, or the Swede Club. To share a memory of James, or send a condolence to his family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.