Mr. James Walter Bellah Jr.

James Walter Bellah Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Mabank, TX on the morning of October 10, 2014. He was born on January 25, 1940 in Dallas, TX to James Walter and Minnie Pearl Bellah. Jim was in the first graduating class of W. W. Samuell High School in 1958. He was a Navy veteran serving on the U.S.S. Oklahoma City, the U.S.S. Bremerton, and the U.S.S. Melaney. He was also a member of the Model A club of Cedar Creek Lake and a member of Faith Community Baptist Church. He had many hobbies that included restoring antique cars, riding his motorcycle, and singing karaoke. He could regularly be found wearing his overalls, drinking a Coors Light, and making common every day things seem more special by putting them into song. It was evident that he enjoyed life to the fullest and particularly enjoyed being surrounded by his family at family reunions and holiday gatherings. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James Walter Bellah and Minnie Pearl Bellah and two brothers, Douglas Lee Bellah and Charles Eugene Lofton, and one sister, Patricia Ann Rape. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Sandra Fay Bellah. Jim had two sisters Barbara Shook of Ovilla and Elaine Giliss of Mineola. Jim had 3 sons: James Walter Bellah III of Kaufman, Kevin and Kimmie Merritt of Mabank, and Larry Merritt of Mabank. Jim also had 5 daughters: Louwella and Rod Butler of Irving, Tammy and Randy Smith of Eustace, Rhonda Merritt of Mabank, Dottie and David Farmer of Quinlan, and Genna and Jim Sanders of Forney. He had 18 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.