Born May 27, 1928 in Crystal Springs, Mississippi to Robert and Sudie Bell. He graduated from Crystal Springs High School and served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1953. He married Helen Henri James of Sumner, Mississippi in June, 1954. They started their life together in Jackson and in 1964 opened Bell Floral Company.
James was a member of First Baptist Church Jackson where he was a life deacon and devoted member of the Beacon Sunday School Class.
He loved Christmas, history, and a good steak. James and Helen enjoyed meeting their goal of visiting all 50 states. If he ever found out your birthday or anniversary he never forgot it.
He leaves to cherish his memory his son Heyward Bell and wife Carla of Clinton, Mississippi, daughter Eleanor Bell Schoolar and husband Greg of Richmond, Texas, and son Garland Bell of Agoura, California. He is survived by his sister, Bobbie Stoup of Chatsworth, California.
He was “PawPaw” to grandchildren Nicholas Schoolar and wife Mandy, Corinne Bell Graham and husband Sam, Andy Schoolar, and Colin Bell. He was also blessed with 5 great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by wife of 61 years Helen in 2015.
Visitation to celebrate his life will be Friday, March 23rd from 4-7pm at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Boulevard, Jackson, Mississippi.
A private family interment will be at Canton City Cemetery.
