James A. Wells

James Abraham Wells – born James Abram Peek II, and affectionately known as Jim, was a man whose life was a testament to love, inspiration, and resilience. Born on May 3, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan, to James I and Janice Peek, Jim was intelligent, charismatic, a natural athlete, and a born motivator. His ability to inspire others led him to become a giant among men, making everyone feel special; to him, every person was a friend he had yet to meet.

Jim was a unique and complex spirit, an exceptionally loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His presence was a gift to all who knew him. From his early days in Detroit, where his sister Mary lovingly nicknamed him "Jim-Boy," to his days playing sports, deejaying, and participating in the church, Jim's life was filled with cherished moments and deep connections.

Jim's childhood was marked by treasured family adventures—trips to Belle Isle, Idlewild, and drive-in movies, splitting White Castle burgers, and building igloos in the winter. It was also marked by overcoming hardship as Jim lost his birth father at a young age. Larry C. Wells adopted Jim and his siblings, Mary and Kym, creating a blended family filled with love and joy. Together, Larry and Jan had two more sons, Larry and Lance, adding to the family's warmth and unity. These experiences laid the foundation for the big-hearted, inclusive family man Jim would become.

He attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Redford High School in 1979. Jim's passion for deejaying and sports blossomed early, leading him to become a key figure in the social group Remnique and earning him the nickname Direct Drive. His love for chess, cards, and sports was matched only by his deep faith and spirituality.

Jim pursued higher education at Wilberforce and Ohio Central State, joining Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and becoming a proud member of Eta Gamma Chapter. His life took him to Wiesbaden, Germany, where he served in the army, played semi-professional football, and ran a successful nightclub, "The Village." Jim's entrepreneurial spirit shone through in his various business ventures, from insurance to security cameras, and his enduring love for deejaying led to a devoted following in the house music community where he is best known as Father Abraham. His musical journey from Detroit to Germany was even documented in the book "313OneLove."

On May 18, 2019, Jim married his best friend and love of his life, Nichole, in a fairytale destination wedding on the beach in Miami, Florida. The 5 years they spent together was filled with enough love to last multiple lifetimes. They loved to travel and spend time with friends and family, but the most precious times were when they were home, just the two of them, enjoying one another.

In the early afternoon of Saturday, June 22, 2024, at James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida, Jim peacefully transitioned with his devoted wife, Nichole, by his side.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Nichole; his daughters, Maisha and Trier (and their sister Tatianna Flowers) from his previous marriage to Marva Cherry; and Nichole's children, Camron and Sierra (Johnston), whom Jim loved as his own. He was also a proud grandfather to Sierra's children, Jase and Jordyn.

Jim is also survived by his cherished parents, Larry and Janice Wells; his caring siblings, Mary Wells-Rucker, Kym (Barry) Walker, Larry "Qwame" Wells, and Lance (Nina) Wells; and his aunts, Dorothy (Levi) Douglas, Patricia Brown (Ted) Boggues, and uncles, Danny Peek, Larry (Betty) Simmons Sr. Additionally, Jim leaves behind many close cousins and relatives, including Derek (Tomara) Nolen, Lionel (Juanita) Simmons, and Diamond "Lamb" Henderson who was like a daughter, as well as a large host of nieces, nephews, dear friends, Omega Psi Phi, Mason, and veteran brothers.

Jim's legacy of love, inspiration, and music will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His spirit remains with us, a testament to a life well-lived and a man well-loved. Rest in peace, dear Jim.