John Morgan Wells, Jr., Ph.D

Marine biologist and physiologist, world class scientist, deep sea diver, gas expert and Father of "Nitrox" and pioneer in the development of decompression systems for deep diving, educator, inventor, inspirational speaker, aquanaut, math whiz, "fixer" of all mechanical objects, farmer, patriot, consultant to many various organizations calling on his extensive professional expertise, and lover of fig trees, frogs and turtles, Dr. John Morgan Wells, Jr., died on July 28, 2017 at the age of 77 of pancreatic cancer.

Morgan was born in April 12, 1940 to John Morgan Wells, Sr. and Evelyn Marks Wells who predeceased him. In addition to his many friends and admirers across the nation and in many parts of the world, left to honor his memory are his 3 daughters, Rana Wells and Bettina Wells of Mathews, VA and Annika W. Mayorga (Jeffrey) and granddaughter, Aiyanna, of Santa Fe, NM; his brother, Barry Wells of Roanoke, VA and 2 nieces, Marcy Wells and Tracy W. Watts; a special friend and long-time partner, Dick Rutkowski, Hyperbarics Int'L, Key Largo, FL; and his cherished companion, Marianne Krop of Kilmarnock, VA, recently of Virginia Beach, VA, who shared with him many experiences through the years beginning in 1965 and was his devoted, loving supporter and care giver throughout the months he waged his brave battle with cancer.

Dr. Wells graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA in 1962, attended the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, CA, and received his Ph.D in marine biology in 1969 from University of California, San Diego. His first "real jobs" were in North Carolina with UNC School of Medicine (physiology instructor) and at the Institute of Marine Biomedical Research. Throughout his long career, he had major involvement with and/or held major positions with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) as Director of NOAA Diving Program and NOAA Experimental Diving Unit (in 1993, developed the dive plan for training on dive procedures and safety for examination of the submerged, historic ship, "Monitor"); was active in the Navy's Sea Lab project, as well as the Tektite II program; and with NASA as it developed information on the impact of space missions on humans. In "semi-retirement", Morgan used his knowledge of aerospace physiology to help the Air Force solve an air system problem that F-22 jet pilots were reporting. Spurred by his love of research, he built the Baylab to investigate the health of local Chesapeake Bay waters. Morgan loved being the human who had lived the longest underwater and his many career adventures-- yet, in retirement, he especially delighted in his home off the North River and developing his gardening skills which were famous locally, mainly for his beloved fig trees. Throughout his career, Dr. Wells was a member of many professional associations and received many awards and commendations (too numerous to include here) for his work and the education of all toward the wonders of marine life. Several years ago after 35 seasons, he retired as Director of the annual NOAA/UHMS Physicians Training Program in Hyperbaric Medicine in Seattle, WA., attended by US doctors and those from other countries.

Morgan loved his country, loved and felt special attachment to "my buddies" who were with him throughout his professional , often exciting life, was fascinated by any body of water, big or small, loved a good bottle of vodka, loved his house, fig trees and yellow submarine, greatly admired the natives of the South Pacific Islands and Alaska, protected all critters (even spiders), and took humble pride in his work, past and current. He was truly unique, brilliant, quirky, and funny and we all miss him very much.

A memorial service celebrating Morgan's life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, 176 Lover's Lane, Mathews, VA 23109.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Mathews Maritime Foundation, P. O. Box 1201, Mathews, VA 23109, or to an organization dedicated to preserving our oceans and bays, or to one whose mission is the humane treatment of animals, domestic or wild.



Dr. John Morgan Wells Jr. of North, passed away on July 28, 2017 at the age of 77 of pancreatic cancer.

A marine biologist and physiologist, he was the godfather of “Nitrox” and a pioneer in the development of decompression systems for deep sea diving.

Morgan loved Mathews and was an active participant as past director of the farmers’ market, aquarium expert at the visitor center, Blue Water Trails video maker, past member of the Lions Club. He put Baylab off Gwynn’s Island with engineering friends, lectured many times to civic groups on life in the bays and historical works, volunteered time with Extension 4-H, helped gathering items for Market Days, and always had time to help friends. He helped his wife, Wendy Wells Finn, found what is now the Bay School.

His love was always his three girls and his fig farm where he enjoyed sharing his knowledge of figs.

Morgan was born on April 12, 1940 to John Morgan Wells Sr. and Evelyn Marks Wells, who predeceased him. In addition to his many friends here in Mathews and around the world, left to honor his memory are his three daughters, Rana Wells and Bettina Wells of Mathews (daughters of Rita Emma Wells, deceased), and Annika W. Mayorga (daughter of Anna Hamalainen), and granddaughter, Aiyanna of Santa Fe, New Mexico; his brother, Barry Wells of Roanoke; two nieces, Marcy Wells and Tracy W. Watts, and his companion of several years, Marianne Krop of Kilmarnock (whom he originally met in 1965). Marianne was his devoted caregiver throughout the last three months of his life, during his brave battle with cancer.

The family is especially grateful and indebted to Cammie Flanagan and Krista Gustafson of Mathews, long-time friends of Morgan’s, whose loving support of his daughters and tireless dedication to his dreams for his farm are deeply appreciated by all who love him.

A memorial service celebrating Morgan’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 176 Lover’s Lane, Mathews, Va. 23109.