Jim was born July 4, 1951 to Elmer and Patricia Bellah in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a 1969 graduate of Center High School and worked at the Kansas City Zoo as a teenager. He then worked as a route delivery truck driver and salesman for Pepsi for 16 years, joining Conway Freight (previously CCX) in 1994 as a freight delivery driver, remaining there until his retirement in 2012.
On September 16, 1978 Jim married the love of his life, Karen Gail Bellah (Hanavan) and remained married to her for over 43 years, during which their son Steven was born in 1982, along with their granddaughter Abigail Lynn Bellah in 2004. He enjoyed traveling, Kansas City Royals games, classic rock music, and working on projects around his home. He converted the garage of his first house into a fully furnished bar complete with carpeting, stools, beer on tap, and a jukebox that played 45 RPM records. After retiring, he purchased and maintained a fully restored 1957 Chevy pickup truck.
His biggest loves were his family and friends, with most of his friends being lifelong going back to high school. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother John Bellah, as well as his wife Karen, who passed away in December of 2021. No doubt she had a "honey do" list prepared for him when he rejoined her.
He is survived by his son Steven Bellah of North Kansas City, Missouri, his granddaughter Abigail Lynn Bellah, a brother in law William Hanavan, many friends and acquaintances, and his loyal dog, Jack.
A memorial visitation for Jim will be held Friday, June 17, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131, followed by a celebration of life from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Please feel free to wear your favorite classic rock shirt in Jim's memory. The service will also be available via live stream for those unable to attend in person.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Parkinson's Foundation Heartland at https://www.parkinson.org/heartland. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mtmoriah.net for the Bellah family.
