Obituaries

Obituary: Former LA County Sheriff's Criminalist Dies

Glendora resident James Raymond Wells was a known forensics instructor for law enforcement agencies.

Glendora resident James Raymond Wells, 70,  passed  away March 25, 2012.  Wells began his career as a criminalist for the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department in 1970. Wells’ contributions to law enforcement investigations was well known, having won the department’s Distinguished Service Award for his “Wells Field Narcotics Test Kit.” Wells remained an active reserve captain with the department until his passing.

Wells was also hailed by the California Narcotic Officers’ Association as “one of the most influential persons in the development of the CNOA Drug Abuse Recognition Program” following his death.

Wells was a tenured instructor for CNOA and was involved in the training of over 10,000 officers in drug abuse cases. Wells also taught for POST, the California Department of Justice and DEA.

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Wells is survived by his wife, Lucretia, his son Jared, his daughter Michelle, his brother Wilfred and two grandchildren.

Memorial services for Wells will be Saturday, March 31 at 10 a.m. at Glenkirk Church 1700 Palopinto Ave., Glendora, Calif.

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