Major J. Wells, Sr., affectionately known as "Bo" was born on October 29, 1931 in Dillsboro, NC to the late James and Ketherine Love Wells.

At an early age, he accepted Christ and joined Riverview Baptist Church in his hometown where his Christian foundation began. Major maintained a strong relationship with Christ throughout his life and was a devoted member of Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Washington D.C.

Major attended elementary school in Dillboro, NC before relocating to Washington D.C and graduating from Dunbar High School. Following high school, he matriculated to St. Paul's College in Lawrenceville VA where he would earn dual bachelors' degrees in Math and Science. While at St. Paul College, Major was drafted into to the US Army and served in the Korean War before returning to school to complete his education.

Major married Shirley Moss, a fellow alumnus of St. Paul's College. She was his college sweetheart and beloved wife of sixty-two years. They were blessed with a son; Major Wells Jr. in 1970.

Major was an icon in Track and Field for many years; beginning with his participation in these sporting events as a teenager at Dunbar High School and continuing through his college career at St. Paul's College.

Following college, Major began a coaching career spanning over 32 years, starting at Lucy Addison High School in Roanoke, VA, where he is Head Coach from 1956 to 1962. During that six-year span, his team won 6 consecutive Regional Championships and the 1961 Penn Relay Championship. In 1962, he moved on to Luther Jackson High School in Fairfax, VA where he won 3 consecutive District Championships.

In 1965, the Fairfax County School System integrated, and Major became the first African American Head Track Coach in the state of Virginia, at Falls Church High School. During his 23 years there, his team won 11 championships, and he was the recipient of 5 outstanding "Coach of the Year" awards.

After many years of coaching and teaching, Major retired from Fairfax County and began officiating track meets in 1989 with the Virginia High School League. He joined the DCIAA Board of Offcials in 1990 where he served faithfully for years.

In 2001, the Fairfax County School Board recognized Majors coaching success and legacy by naming the track at Falls Church High School, THE MAJOR JAMES WELLS TRACK.

Major, or simply "Coach Wells" as he is referred to by so many former student athletes, used his intellect and eloquence to motivate and to lead. His love of family and children was paramount in his life as he was always willing to impart a useful piece of advice to help guide young people to make good decisions in life. Truly he has touched the lives of so many.

Major has touched the lives of so many throughout his 93 years of life. He was known for his unselfish giving and caring nature; an avid and proud gardener, who fed neighbors, friends, and family the fruits of his labor.

Major will forever be missed by the many lives that he touched. He leaves to cherish in his memory; a devoted wife, Shirley Moss Wells, a son, Major James Wells, Jr. (Deidra), a  grandson, Major James Wells III "Trey", a sister, Marye Wells-Harley (Ernest), a sister-in-law, Helen Moss, two nephews, Marlon K. Beck (Yvonne) and Greg Wells (Sabrina), and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as many other relatives.

He was so blessed to have two devoted and compassionate Caregivers; Henry Agyei and Sannah Coomber.