James Edward Bell
James Edward Bell, 79, of Marshfield, MO passed peacefully on September 4, 2021. He was born to Edward Hunt Bell and Helen M. (Brake) Bell on March 26, 1942 in Salina, KS.
He married Joyce Ilene (Ginder) Bell on January 7, 1962. They were wed for 56 years. Together they raised two sons, traveled to many beautiful places, ran several businesses, built multiple houses and lived a full life.
“Jim” will be missed for his easy going nature, his kindness, the entertaining stories he always told and his sense of humor to lighten up anything too serious. He was a friend to all kinds of people which made him a natural at customer service. His boys favorite memories of their Dad include family vacations camping, going down to Mexico and working together in the family car business.
He operated several businesses in his lifetime, including Bell Motors, Anthony’s Café, Bell Laundry, Bell Suzuki, and Bell Rental and leasing. His wife Joyce enjoyed working with him at Bell Motors and Millwood Realty Sales Team. They eventually moved to Marshfield, MO to be near their kids and grandkids. Jim was quieter than some about his faith but he respected God and his word and enjoyed attending James River Church with his family.
Jim defeated the odds many times with some pretty big “close calls” from his younger wild days. One time he and his friends were driving recklessly, the car lost control and they ended up jumping over a river. There were also many thrilling moments when he was out repossessing cars from non-paying customers. His sons, Craig and Ed, remember being told to “get down” and hide in the back seat because they thought they were going to get shot. Another car wreck Jim was in sent him flying out the door and landed him in the hospital. His parents understandably put him in military school for a while in high school. Something about being a bit of trouble. Hmm.
His daughter in law and grandkids years later, only knew him as a calm loving Grandpa. All his experiences sure made for really great stories though!
Jim was preceded in death by his wife and parents.
He is survived by his sister Ann (Bell) Mitchell and husband John of Rochester, Minnesota, his children Edward Bell, Craig Bell and wife Lydia, of Marshfield, Missouri with a whole slew of grandkids! Elisha Bell, Joshua Bell, David Bell, Stephanie Bell, Hannah Cardoza, Jeremiah Cardoza, Elianna Cardoza, Serenity Cardoza, Daniel Bell, and one great-grandchild, Luna Bell, complete the whole gang.
Private family services will be under the direction of Fraker Funeral Home, Inc, Marshfield.