James C. Bell was born in Patriot, Indiana, on April 24, 1931 to Lester C. Bell and Wrelah Catherine Bell. He moved to Anderson, IN in 1936. In 1947 James (also known as J.C. or Jim) family moved to CA where he lived in Paradise Cove, Culver City, Santa Monica, and ended up in Port Hueneme. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1950.
He was in the Air Force Reserves aka ROTC before graduation. James enlisted in the Air Force August 18, 1950 at Long Beach, CA. James served in the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge on August 22, 1951. He was in the Air Force Reserves until June 6, 1953.
James worked for General Telephone Company for 40 years from Sept. 1951 to April 30, 1991. Last position held was special services.
He met Joyce Elaine Ricketts in Santa Monica, CA. They were married on November 6, 1954 at the Methodist Church in Santa Monica. Where shortly after they moved to Port Hueneme 1956.
His parents, wife Joyce and his brother Robert Parker preceded him in death. He has two children, James Scott Bell (Grace) and Catherine Helen Walker (Guy), 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild and many nieces and nephews.
James belonged to the Masonic Lodge #710 of Oxnard, CA, was a member of Honor of Job’s Daughters Bethel #142 of Oxnard, and a member of Living Hope Church of Port Hueneme, CA.
Throughout his life he volunteered as assistant scout master, Weblow Leader Cub Scouts, and Job’s Daughters Bethel #142. At Living Hope Church, he served on Session as Buildings & Grounds, on the Pastor nominating committee and was on the Sound Team.
James loved to help people, he loved building and fixing radio-controlled airplanes. He so loved riding his bicycle to the beach and even roller skated. Him and his wife loved to travel. They so much enjoyed going to Huntington Lake to fish and water ski. They loved to camp at Morrel Bay and Casitas Lake. The Living Hope Church recently dedicated the sound room in Memory of him. The Masonic Lodge is presenting the family with his 50-year apron. Our father, Jim or JC, loved his family and enjoyed the family gatherings up to the time of his death.
