My deepest condolences to all family and friends. May the hope found in Gods' word the bible out weigh the grief you currently feel. 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14

Dear Marian and family.  Jim was a bright and shining light in a sometimes difficult time for doctoral students like me.   He understood that each of us was unique, and that education and teaching was as critical as scientific research.  For me, he also understood that the balance of family life was as important as any degree program.  He was a great listener, and mentor.  His smile was comforting and he modeled professionalism in all of his teaching.  I hope that your memories of his goodness help you through your time of grieving, and that with time, you will be able to only remember him as the loving husband and father he was.  My prayers go out to you for healing.

Mrs. Marian Bell and family, and for Jessica who I met at her father's service at Mt. View Lutheran. Professors Jim and John Bell plus Prof. Sue Cummings were my College of Education instructors for student teaching at ASU. When I graduated in 1971, my teaching career started with the Alhambra Elem School Dist for 10 years, and ended with 30 years in the Tempe Union High School Dist, completing  2 Masters of Arts Degrees in Earth Science and Chemistry. What great advice Prof Bell gave us in sharing our love, enthusiasm, and passion for the subject we enjoyed the most, called "teaching."

Jim was a wonderful co-mentor for my doctorate in physical education at ASU and I have often quoted him about research significance...he once asked me if something was significant if it helped even one student. He was an educator to the core. I also hold dear the memory of his super-duper (big!)motor home pulling up outside my CT home and he and Marion visiting with us. Heaven has gained a great man and I can just imagine the conversations he is having with the likes of Dewey!

Kristy, Kathy, Becky and Jessica and to all your family, so sorry for your loss and my prayers are with all of you at this time as you celebrate his life....

Jim was a good friend and colleague for years at ASU.  He co-mentored many of our doctoral students.  I was fortunate enough to have co-mentored several students with him.  I contacted as many former students as I could.  Here are some comments from several who responded.  All are from Exercise Science and Physical Education. As you can see, Jim's former students accomplished many good things.  Chuck Corbin, Professor Emeritus, ASU.

Here are the comments. 

Doug Hastad, President Carroll University, Wisconsin
Jim was my committee chair back in the good ol days. He was friendly, fair, and very helpful to a fledgling doctoral student. He will be missed.

Bo Fernhall, Dean, University of Illinois-Chicago
Jim was my co-mentor.  I learned to appreciate him and what he did for me a great deal after I graduated.  He really helped make sure I was reasonably well prepared to teach  something that did not seem so important when I was going through the program, but I really appreciated later on. 

Alan Lacy, Vice President, Illinois State University
Jim was the co-chair of my dissertation. I could not have asked for a better person with which to work.  Jim Bell was a consummate professional in my dealings with him.  I remember him with fond memories. He actually lived in the neighborhood in which I lived  East Alameda Drive not too far from McClintock HS in the early 80s.  He was a good man who leaves a wonderful legacy.     

Brian Nielsen, Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta
Dr. Bell co-chaired my PhD in 1983-85. He was a very nice and helpful man. I enjoyed his gentleness and he also had a good, but subtle, sense of humour, a valuable asset when dealing with me.

Dear Peggy and family.  I was saddened to hear of your father's passing.  At the same time, it must have been sad for all of you to lose him to Alzheimer's.  I remember his beautiful smile and kind manner.  We had a few business meetings related to teacher's savings options.  

Through my acquaintance with your father you and I subsequently became acquainted and I so enjoyed our visits.  I have thought of you and your family from time to time and though I am sad to learn your dad is gone, I hope we may have a visit to catch up regarding our respective lives and families.  We are leaving early Monday for a 9 day trip to California or I would be at the service to happily share my thoughts with you and others who knew and highly regarded your father.  

If it is possible for us to meet in the next few weeks please call me at 480-607-2211 as I do not know how to reach you.

Most sincerely,
Tanya Kirkpatrick

Marian and family,  I was a student of Dr. Bell's at ASU and then he was the chairman of the committee for my Master's degree.  He not only inspired me to pursue a career in teaching, but he encouraged me to maintain a professional pride and enthusiasm in the lives of my students.  He will always be special to me and I regret losing touch with him.  I had always hoped to meet up with him again someday and tell him how greatly he influenced my rewarding career in teaching.  I was blessed to know him.  Prayers to you and your family, Nancy Horlbeck Cummins, BA, 1971; MA, approx. 1974.

OBITUARY

James William Bell

October 25, 1928 – July 22, 2015

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery

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