Wesley Dean James

Wesley Dean James was born on November 20, 1937 and went to live with our Lord on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

Dean was such an immeasurable presence that there genuinely aren’t enough words to do him and his life justice – so it’s narrowed down to these: charming, magnetic, absurdly hilarious, down to earth, forgiving, loving, benevolent, kind-hearted, compassionate and full of love. He never took life too seriously. His sense of humor in any situation is what made all of our lives more fun. We could always count on him to deliver sweet, thoughtful words of encouragement, non-judgmental advice and always a corny joke all in one conversation. There will forever be a hole in our lives until we meet again.

Dean was born in New Home, TX and went to school in Plains, TX. It was there he met the woman he would love for the rest of his life, Gretchen Nulph. Dean and Gretchen married September 24, 1955. Together, they had 3 children and adventurous life living in several different towns before they finally settled in Midland, TX.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, M.O. James and Rosa Belle James. Siblings: Arden James, Dorma Flo Williams, Billy James, Jimmie Faught, Melba Rose James, Gean James and Jessie James. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gretchen James, daughter Kathy Hartman, husband Dicky Hartman, Rick James and Steven James, wife Michele James, 7 grandkids, 21 great grandkids and 3 great, great grandkids and his sister Eva Mae Cornett.

There will be a visitation/viewing Monday, July 5th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Service will be graveside at Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Midland, Tuesday, July 6th at 11:00 am.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.