The family of James Wellman Jr., 95, has invited the PGR to participate in his "celebration of life" and to honor his service to his country during WWII.
James served in the US Navy's submarine service from June 1944 to October 1946. he was trained as a diesel machanic and served on three submarines, the USS Gilmore, Runner & Odax. His sub was ordered to Tokyo Bay, which was considered a death sentence, but before reaching Tokyo the war ended. During his service he and others were used for an experiment, having radio actiove rods inserted into their sinus cavities. Doctors thought they would help with adapting to submerging on submarines. Much later in life he had them removed.
After his honorable discharge James returned to cattle ranching. A fifth generation rancher, he actively worked his ranch until shortly before passing. He became an accomplished pilot and even spent some time as a bush pilot in Alaska. An avid reader, gardener, HAM radio operator and he owned and operated a heavy equipment business.
A widower at 58, remarried to his current wife Roberta Wellman. James was a family man with 5 children, 14 gand kids, 7 great grand kids and 1 great-great grandchild.
His "celebration of life" will be held at the Hamilton Museum & Ranch Foundation in Anza CA on Sat 19 Aug at 1400 hours. This will be a FLO mission.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
If you are not familiar with the location of the mission, it is a very nice ride out to Anza.
The weather is predicted to be warm so please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat.
Time Table for Saturday 19 August 2017 1400 – Stage at Hamilton Museum & Ranch Foundation, 39991 Contreras Rd. Anza, Ca. 92539 (
https://goo.gl/maps/4vorYqmYiMq)
1415 - Mission Briefing
J. Tony Ruiz
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
jtonyruiz@gmail.com
951-970-8886You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum.
