Me Gwen, 

I am so very sorry.  As you know, Jim was my brother in Christ.  I love him very much.  He was my friend, my brother , my Supervisor for a while and an encouraging word when I needed it.  You could not ask for a better person.  I am very grateful to God for allowing me a chance to know him and you.  You guys showed up for me during my cancer journey and I will be forever grateful to you both.  He loved you so dearly.  

Love you sweet lady.  

Nellie

Jim Bell and his soldiers returning on the "Freedom Bird" back to the States on 9 May 1991.

Jim Bell and I commanded tank companies at Ft. Riley during 1989-1991.  We had an common door between our two company commander offices in the barracks and spent a lot of time sharing lessons and stories as we led our 2 units - B Company and C Company of 1-34 Armor.  Jim and I built a solid friendship during REFORGER '88, several NTC rotations, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and at Ft. Riley after the war.  Jim was my role model and mentor of how I could be the best husband and father, even though I was not married at the time.  Someday, I wanted a loving and caring family just like his.  35 years later and with 4 children myself, I am proud to say that Jim and Gwen provided the perfect example for me and multiple other families.   You will never be forgotten Jim - you touched so many lives and made the world a better place because of your love you shared with others.  Rest in peace my friend.

Captain Jim Bell, Commander, C Company, 1st Battalion 34th Armor, 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division (Mechanized).  Jim's company was the lead combat element for 1-34 Armor in a night movement to contact against the Iraqi Republican Guards on 26-27 February 1991.  This photo was taken in April 1991 at the 1-34 AR Tactical Operations Center (TOC) after the cease fire.

Gwen and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim passing.  I first met MAJ James Bell as my XO when I arrived over to the Recruiting Support BN in bldg 6579 on Ft Knox, KY.  I sat in meetings with him and he always had a smile about him but was also firm when he needed to be.  We would see each other from time to time sitting on the steps on Ft Knox waiting on the doors to open for the Army Show performance.

I retired from active duty with the Army Recruiting Command in 2000 but then I went back to work on Ft Knox with USAREC and would run into Jim, and yes, he still had that smile about him even as he shared with me about his battle with cancer.  Jim made you feel like you were special to him and not like someone he once worked with.
I will never forget those moments he shared with me.  Blessings my friend.  You made it to eternity before me but someday we will meet again.  
May God hold you Gwen in the palm of his hands.  Ernie Bagley

Jim and I shared a special bond for our Army time in 1/64 Armor in Germany. Jim took over my 3rd Plt in A Co when I moved to B Co as XO. Then when I left Germany in 1985, he followed me again in taking over as the B Co XO too. Despite the picture quality I am very happy to have this picture of Jim and I at Graf on Range 79 shortly before he took over 3rd Platoon. Rest in Peace Jim, you are  missed.

Jim was my neighborhood brother from the start. As kids, we were inserparable and even celebrated each others birthdays as our own. Condolences to his family and sister.

Gwen, Linda & family
We were heartbroken to hear about Jim's passing.
I knew Jim back in the 70's & 80's & after that kept up with him through his Mom, Molly. I remember sitting in Molly's kitchen when Gwen & Jim were planning their wedding. So long ago.
Praying for comfort & peace for all of you.
Jim & my good friend Molly will never be forgotten.
Love to all of you

Bunny & Alan Owens

Gwen,

I was very sad to hear of Jim’s passing.  Jim was a great man, a loving husband and father, and a beloved comrade to all those who served with him. He will be missed.  Please accept our condolences for you and your family.  We have the fondest memories of our time together in Kitzigen, Germany.  God Bless,

Greg & Diana Hadjis

Jim and Qwen were our across the street neighbors while we were both stationed At Ft. Leavenworth KS. we spend countless hours around the dining room table playing board games. It was always guys against the girls. I can still hear Gwen's laugh, or Jims quiet gloat  and subtle ribbing, depending on who won.
We would go to lunch at this little chinese place just to banter back and forth. Qwen could eat high doses of this chinese horseradish mustard that would make the rest of us Cry.
Our kids were close to the same age and played together in the Creek behinds Jims house, riding their bikes up and down the street, or at the pool. Hard to believe they're grown, with families of their own now. They make me so proud.
In my life There are few people I met like Jim and Qwen. They have kindness, integrity, and love that was carved in their bones from their birth. I've have always admired this, and tried to emulated them. They make us all better people.
My words seem very puny to the task of expressing how I feel about them both. I say both, as Its impossible for me to think of them separate. I believe that that love is one of the few things that will travel from this life to the next, and will never sun fade, or diminish . I love you both, and please know my heart breaks with yours right now.
Love Todd and Chris

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Jim Bell. Having worked alongside Jim in the Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division, I witnessed firsthand the immense heart, dignity, and grace he brought to a incredibly challenging and sacred mission. 

Jim spent his career ensuring others were cared for, honored, and never forgotten. He was a man of quiet strength and deep compassion, and his presence will be sorely missed by everyone in our division. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues, and all who loved him. 

Below are just a small handful of news articles of cases that Jim had worked. If you have the time, read through some of the amazing stories he helped bring closure to. 

https://www.coffeeordie.com/article/wwii-bombardier-identified

https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/baton-rouge-soldier-accounted-for-70-years-after-he-went-missing-in-korean-war/article_e557f172-94e0-11ec-a8a5-e3f41bc85a86.html

https://safe.menlosecurity.com/doc/docview/viewer/docN8C3A9D787394e19a83fe68cd60a387cf599c4ea7ec3d7f610350d18cebdc49643d1e7ff1c8f9

https://www.facebook.com/groups/146320810325039/posts/1035601791396932/

Sincerely, Denise Adams

He was my first tank commander. This is him sacked out in the left of the photo. He will be sorely missed!!

I’m sending all of my prayers and love. I served with Jim in Germany. He was an exceptional leader and an incredible example of a young officer and soldier. God’s Speed. “We Pierce”.

I first met 2nd LT Bell in kitzgen Germany he was assigned to1 64 Armor A co 3rd ply. I was the plt sgt. He was a bit nervous but he did a great job. We pretty much trained him on the M1 tank. He was a quick learner. He was the best LT in the company. His wife was my son’s teacher which was great. I talked to him last week an he sounded good. I am very sad an can’t believe this news. He’s not in pain anymore he’s flying high with the angels. My condolences an prayers for the Bell family. As we say in Hawaii A Hui Ho which means till we meet again.🙏🙏🙏😞

I met Jim in junior high school.  We reconnected in 1979 when, on the second day as freshman at The Citadel, I heard my name called in Mark Clark Hall  and it was Jim.  We’d gone to different high schools and hadn’t seen each other in a couple of years.  It was a great delight to reconnect in college. 

Jim was the epitome of a Christian gentleman.  He was a man of dignity, kindness, and integrity.  If Jim Bell told you something, you could take it to the bank.  His Christian faith gave him a gentle strength and winsomeness for others.

A couple of years ago, Jeff LeForce ‘83 and I were in the bookstore at The Citadel and once again, I heard my name called and it was Jim.  We had a wonderful talk and I was reminded of the caliber of the man.

Our country desperately needs more Jim Bells.  What an example of a godly patriot, true friend, and man of greater influence than most will ever know.

My deepest condolences to Gwen and the rest of the family.

Steve Maye
The Citadel class of 1983

I served with Jim Bell at the Harrisburg Army Recruiting BN in  the 1994-5 era, he as a Captain Company Commander and me a Major as the Battalion XO. Jim was clearly the best officer in the command - always clear thinking, very professional and extremely dependable. Despite tough goals his company excelled under his leadership. I am proud to have served with him, he will be sorely missed!🙏🫡🇺🇸

I was  honored to work with Jim in the casualty headquarters.  I met Jim and immediately realized his genuine and passionate leadership.    He encouraged me and offered insights of the very complex and unique casualty mission.   I quickly valued his friendship.   I cannot truly explain Jim’s impact with the mission and the Families he supported.   I would say Jim has a servant’s heart, something deep within him shaped by his faith and beliefs.    God called him a n incredible servant, his impacts will live on in hearts across the country.    May God provide comfort and love to his Family and friends.   I have heard the say the world is a beater place…  Jim truly made the world a better place.   Rest my Brother in peace.   Respect and love.   Erick Hoversholm

I met Jim once through my sister Melinda Jackson.  I could tell immediately that he was a kind and gentle soul.  I am saddened by his passing.  Thinking of his family at this difficult time.

Allison DeMaranville
KS

Jimmy and I are admiring birthday cake, our birthdays just six months apart. We grew up together and this amazing kid became an even more amazing man. I've wonderful memories and am blessed to have known him. Love to all the family, Mary Marshall 💕

OBITUARY

James Andrew Bell

March 27, 1961 – September 15, 2026

Brown Funeral Home

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