Jim Wellington

James P. Wellington, of Wellington, died on Friday, July 15, 2022, at the age of 65.

He was born the son of Robert Briggs and Dottie Ann (Watts) Wellington on April 18, 1957, in Ottawa.

Jim graduated from Ottawa High School in 1975. After graduation, he attended Vo-Tech school in Pittsburg. Jim was later hired by the Ford Dealership as an apprentice mechanic. Little did Jim know he would meet his future father-in-law, Charlie Burlingham. Charlie and Jim worked side by side, all the while, soaking up everything he could learn about being a mechanic from Charlie. He even spent time with Charlie after work at his farm and that’s when he met Charlie’s daughter, Julie Burlingham.

On September 9, 1977, Jim and Julie were married in Ottawa. Together they celebrated 44 years of marriage. From that union came their daughter, Jennifer, and then their son, Nick.

Through the years Jim wore multiple hats as a mechanic and a pressman. He worked for the Ford and Chevrolet Dealerships, the Ottawa Herald and Clester Communications, Oxwell and Sumner County Road and Bridge, finally settling into aviation at Beechcraft and retiring at the age of 62. After retirement, Jim opened up his own small engine repair shop at his residence in Wellington.

Survivors include his wife, Julie Wellington; daughter, Jennifer Wellington of Wellington; son, Nicholas Wellington (Michelle) of Wellington; grandchildren, Reed Briggs Wellington, Oliver Michael Wellington; brothers, Patrick Wellington of British Columbia, Canada, and Thom Wellington (Beverly) of Ottawa.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Wellington.

Memorial services for Jim will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Cornejo Funeral Home in Wellington.

A memorial fund has been established in his memory to the Veteran’s Memorial Fund. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

Share a memory, leave condolences or sign his digital tribute wall at www.cornejofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Road, Wellington.