James's obituary
Was called home by his Heavenly Father on September 15, 2020 after a brief illness. He will be long remembered for his devotion to his family, strong faith in God and unwavering morals; those principles provided the foundation on which his loved ones stood, continuing to support them even today. Rest assured; he is most certainly at peace with his Maker.
Jim was born as the only child to the late Mr. Edward W. and Mrs. Marian E. Bell, née Gane in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 25, 1936. He was baptized in and a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church; most recently Jim and his wife attended Roser Memorial Community Church in Anna Maria, Florida. They were residents of Westminster Towers in Bradenton.
Ever the overachiever, after graduating from Lincoln High School in Philadelphia, and joining the Army National Guard, and while attending Drexel University in the evenings, and later Temple University, Jim worked for the F.J. Stokes Corporation, where, in 1956 he would meet his future wife.
James and Margaret “Peggy” Bell were married on May 25, 1957. They started
their life together, living in Northeast Philadelphia, where Jim was born
and raised. In July of 1962, the couple would welcome their first child, a son,
Glenn Robert; and within a few short years, relocate the young family to
a brand-new home in Warminster, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In
December of 1967, the family would be complete with birth of a new
daughter, Lisa Doris.
Jim had the good fortune of being able to work for the same employer his entire life, eventually retiring in 1992 as the Manager of the Contracts and Legal Department of Alfa Laval, Inc.; he had the privilegeof being able to retire at age 56 while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle rich with many friends and travel activities.
With their own children grown and married, the newly retired couple moved to Holmes Beach, Florida, where they would enjoy the next phase of their life together in their new roles as grandparents, when in 1995 and 2001, Glenn and his wife Nelia blessed them with grandchildren Lindsey and Andrew, respectively.
Jim was an avid student of history, who always enjoyed deep philosophical discussions; he had a fabulous, intelligent sense of humor and would engage with anyone who stopped to chat. Very much a natural born teacher, he always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small.
James Robert Bell is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator, and in the company of his heavenly family and friends.
James is survived by his son Glenn, (daughter-in-law Nelia (Abais)), daughter Lisa, granddaughter Lindsey (Willis) and grandson, Andrew. He is preceded in death by his wife Margaret “Peggy”, father, Edward, and mother, Marian (Gane).
A private visitation will be held for the family on Tuesday, September, 25 from 2-4 PM at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207.
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Memories & condolences
I love you and Mom and miss both of you so much.
I love you and Mom and miss both of you so much.
I love you and Mom and miss both of you so much.