It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Jimmy Wells, September 20, 2009, at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre at the age of 72 years. Jim was born in 1937 at the old Indian Hospital on the Blood Reserve to Molly (Long Time Squirrel) and Jim Wells II.

Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, his daughters Connie and Melanie, his grandchildren Robert, Vanessa, Buddy (Vanessa Knife) and Aeron, adopted sons Alexander Smith and Destry and adopted granddaughter, Cassandra Smith. He is also survived by sisters Teresa Mistaken Chief, Anna Wells, Nina (Eric) Buckskin, Carla (Bruce) Day Chief, Shirley Mountain Horse and Yvonne (Calvin Crow) Morning Bird; brothers Jerry Wells, Gordon Morning Bird and Bernard Shouting; and aunties Beauty Wells, Harriet Wells and Rosaline Many Guns. Jim was predeceased by his first wife Juliana; his parents Molly and Jim; brothers Smokey, Jordan, Nap Black Rabbit, Jessie, and Dominic; and sisters Florence Brave Rock, Joan Wells, Esther First Rider and Shirley Calf Robe.

Jim was a gifted teacher and one of the first native people in Alberta to obtain his Education degree. He was the first Kainai member to work as a certified teacher in Lethbridge at Assumption School and the first Kainai Principal of St. Mary’s (Kainai) High School after having taught there for a number of years. Jim was also a founding member of Red Crow Community College, and served on many native boards and Blood Tribe Council. For the last fifteen years Jim operated his own business delivering workshops and programs throughout Alberta to native learners, and co-authored the book “History of Kainai Health”. His wonderful sense of humour and kindness will be remembered by his family and many former students and friends.

The family would like to thank all the staff at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre and Home Care nurses for the wonderful care they gave Jimmy.

A family service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, September 25, 2009 at 4:00 P.M.. followed by a wake at CHIEF MOUNTAIN CHAPEL in Moses Lake, Blood Reserve from 7:00-11:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass will be at ST. MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, Blood Reserve on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Pawell Andrasz, celebrant. Interment to follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery.