James Alfred Bell

James “Jim” Alfred Bell was born in Cement, Oklahoma on October 11, 1935, to George and Edna Bell and was called home to the Lord on February 24, 2025, passing peacefully at Larchwood Inns in Grand Junction, Colorado. He led a full and active life, often embracing adventure and new experiences.

He first married Betty, sharing one child, Teri, and later Joanne Bell, sharing three children, Kevin, Jimmy, and Robert, as well as two stepchildren, Dianne and Denise.

He married Leona “Lee” Bell on March 20, 1966 in Carson City, Nevada. Together, Jim and Lee lived in many places but they felt most at home fishing together on the Grand Mesa, often bringing along their children and grandchildren.

In his late teens and early 20s, Jim developed a passion for roller skating. His children fondly remember seeing pictures of their legendary dad proudly displayed on the walls of the local skating rink. He was also an avid bowler and later in life, a fisherman.

Throughout his life, he called many places home. As a child, he lived in Oklahoma, California, and Colorado. His adventurous spirit took him to Florida, Nevada, Arkansas, and back to Colorado. At one point, he lived in Honduras, working as a crop spraying pilot. Later, his ability to connect with people guided him into a career as a real estate agent, where he built lasting relationships and helped others find their homes in Grand Junction. If you flew from Grand Junction, in the past several years, you would have been greeted by Jim while he worked for the TSA.

Jim will be remembered for his love of Jesus, adventurous heart, kindness, love for family and friends, and his love of sharing a cup of coffee over a chat.

He leaves a legacy of daughter Teri (James) Christakos, daughter Kevin Thompson, son Robert Bell, brother Roy Bell, sister Janet (Dick) Esienach, grandchildren Cocine, Alex, Ryan, Lauren, Nathan, great-grandchildren, Justin, Kayla, Devon, Jordan, Carter and Kylie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Ruth Dutton, Betty Fisher, and Bonnie Dodd, Son Jimmy, and grandson Skylar.

Services will be held at Callahan Edfast Mortuary on Friday, March 21 at 10:00 am.