JAMES ARTHUR WELLS, born 22 September 1919 in Plesasants County, was the son of Clarence V. Wells and Martha Ellen Flowers, married in Pleasants County in 1908.

1920 Census, Jefferson District, Pleasants County, W.Va.
#116
Clarence V Wells, Head, 38, Merchant Gen. Merchandise, b. W.Va.
Martha E Wells, Wife, 37, b. W.Va.
Creed L Wells, Son, 10, b. W.Va.
Elvin Wells, Son, 7, b. W.Va.
Geneive Wells, Daughter, 4, b. W.Va.
Harriet V Wells, Daughter, 2, b. W.Va.
James A Wells, Son, 3 months, b. W.Va.
Sarah J Wells, Mother, 74, b. Ohio

1930 Census, Jefferson District, Pleasants County, W.Va.
#133
Clarence V Wells, Head, 48, Farmer, b. W.Va.
Martha E Wells, Wife, 47, b. W.Va.
Creed L Wells, Son, 20, b. W.Va.
Elvin Wells, Son, 17, b. W.Va.
Genevieve Wells, Daughter, 15, b. W.Va.
Harriet V Wells, Daughter, 12, b. W.Va.
James A Wells, Son, 10, b. W.Va.
Lucil I Wells, Daughter, 7, b. W.Va.

1940 Census, Jefferson District, Pleasants County, W.Va.
#24
Clarence V Wells, Head, 58, WPA and Farm, b. W.Va.
Martha E Wells, Wife, 58, Housewife, b. W.Va.
Elvin Wells, Son, 27, Road Work State, b. W.Va.
James A Wells, Son, 20, Stays at home Housework, b. W.Va.
Lucille Wells, Daughter, 17, High School, b. W.Va.

According to his Army Enlistment Record, James A. Wells enlisted 21 November 1940 at Huntington, W.Va. He was born in West Virginia, had a grammar school education, and his occupation was "Semiskilled tool sharpeners and dressers."