John Henry Bell

John’s life touched many lives. From a rural Wyoming upbringing to a 27-year career as an US Air Force officer and a life committed to his faith, John will be forever remembered by his family, friends, and church members. More than anything, John delighted in being in service to others. He adored his wife and celebrated her continually. He honored his faith, loved spending time with family, helped those in need, and was a lifelong student.

John was born September 14, 1933, in Laramie, Wyoming, the eldest of four children. He was raised on a cattle ranch in northern Albany County. The experience of being connected to the land and livestock was foundational in forming his sense of duty and proper conduct. He graduated in 1955 from the University of Wyoming with a B.S. in Agriculture Economics. He entered the United States Air Force in 1957 and completed pilot training Oct 1959 starting a 17-year flying career. He retired from the Air Force in 1985 with distinction after 27 years of service.

John was born and raised in the Mormon Church. After graduating from college, he served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints in the southern states where he met Carmelina Cambria, his future beloved wife. John baptized her into the Mormon church just days before ending his mission. John started a timid and cautious correspondence with Carmelina upon returning to the home ranch. Letters led to courtship, to marriage, and ultimately to a 54-year commitment. Cadets of flight school were not allowed to be married. He married Carmelina in Jacksonville, FL Oct 16, 1959, 3 days after graduating from pilot training, almost as soon as the Air Force allowed.

During John’s 27 years of military service, the family was stationed coast to coast and in between making a new ‘home’ nine times. Howard AFB in the Panama Canal Zone (1966-1969) proved the most memorable. The families similarly assigned clung to each other forming a tight community of expatriates. These were the years that crystallized John and Carmelina as gracious hosts of dinner and hors-d'oeuvre parties for the decades to follow. The friendships formed during this period remain close to this day. John retired in 1985 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. While serving, he earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

After his military service, John’s second career was as a purchasing manager for the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District (SMUD), Rancsho Seco nuclear power plant. A few years after his arrival, the voters closed the facility, June 1989. Management responded responsibly and stopped electric production the next day. John remained until June 2001 providing the support necessary to decommission the facility. In 2003, John and Carmelina’s faith journey took them to St Francis of Assisi Parish. They converted to Catholicism in 2005, finding peace and fulfillment in the Catholic tradition. In John’s words, “I have always had faith in God and feel blessed to have come into mortality at a time and under conditions that have fostered this faith. I have always had confidence in prayer and in the mercy of the Lord, and I recognize that I truly need God’s presence in my life and His mercy to have hope for eternity.”

He is survived by his loving children, daughters Cheryl and Dede; sons, Rusty and Darrell; sisters Laura Lee and Barbara; seven grandchildren Amber, Carolynn, Blake, Ashley, Clayton, Hadley, and Elliott; seven great grandchildren Marcus, Connor, Ava, Ellie, Mason, Ashton, and Beau Russell; and extended family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his dear mother Genevieve Bell.

A Celebration of Life for John will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, at 10am, Monday, August 18, 2025. The celebration will include full military honors.