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James Belhassen Obituary

Belhassen, James R.
84, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on Nov. 11, 2013. He was born in 1929 in Tunis, Tunisia, the son of Achille and Emma (Perez) Belhassen. He quietly had his Bar-Mitzvah in 1942 in Tunis, Axis occupied at the time. He and his family emigrated to the U.S. in 1952. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954 during the Korean Conflict becoming a U.S. Veteran. In 1956, he became a proud U.S. citizen in Boone, Iowa, where he met and married Inez (Betsy) Lorentzen. James and Betsy had two daughters, Robin and Susan. Though divorced in 1976, they always remained friends. James worked in sales and was an athlete who loved gymnastics, swimming, tennis, skiing and dancing. He was full of life, always loyal and true to his family and friends. He has family in France and Israel with friends all over the world and is survived by his daughters, Robin Vollmer and Susan Belhassen; his grandson, Ryan Vollmer; his sister, Francine Heilmann-McClung, his brother, Frank Belhassen and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his two older sisters Marcelle Castiglione and Nellie Russo. A graveside memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary at 11:00 am. Guests are welcome. Sinai Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Donations can be made in his memory to B'Nai Brith, Team USA (United States Olympic Committee) or Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Nov. 13, 2013.
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It's been almost 10 years, Dad, since you passed away. I hope your energy has been doing cool and fun stuff over these years! I image so, anyway. Things like all kinds of spirited ectoplasmic gymnastics and exploring your way through the oceans of countless worlds, and whizzing along across snow-covered hills like you did when you used to ski. And maybe some of the cosmic stuff of which you were made has recycled through into other beings by now so you can continue to experience wonder and joy. I miss you very much and love you. <3

Susan Wynn

November 5, 2023

So here we are, eight years and a day later. I still think about uncle Jimmy quite often. I work out regularly and his focus on fitness ALWAYS comes to mind when I go to the gym. Seeing pictures of him conjures memories of things he would say or conversations with the family during our many gatherings. Now aunt Betsy has passed away, as well, just recently. Memories of the family from those days always seem so fresh in my mind. I know he is on the minds of others who knew him because I hear them talk about him from time to time - he just pops up in conversations! Good memories, always!

Karl Heilmann

November 8, 2021

Jim was a great friend and salesman and the Godfather of our first child. Sadly we grew apart over the years but continue to have fond memories and a love for Tunisian based cooking gleaned from many a meal at their home. Betsy, Robin and Susan, belated sorrow for your loss.

Enrique and Barbara Escalante

January 31, 2015

Susan Belhassen

November 17, 2014

Susan Belhassen

November 11, 2014

In memory.

December 22, 2013

Uncle Jimmy was my doorway to making health and fitness a part of my life. From learning to dive to doing flips on the trampolines to working out at the gym to many fun ski trips! Now that I think back, he was a father figure for me. And we became friends because it. He was always fun to hang out with and I can still hear him say, "whatcha matter wit you? Don' worry about it!"
Much love Uncle Jimmy! You are deeply missed and never forgotten.

Lisa (Heilmann) Shea

December 21, 2013

For me, Uncle "Jimmy" came to being when I was quite small, visiting Aunt Nellie's home in Iowa. I don't recall it very well, but the memory is there. Next, I recall a visit to AZ, where we spent time at their home. We played with Robin and Uncle James was, most memorably, sitting in the kitchen, reading a newspaper and conversing with Aunt Betsy. A few years later, we moved to AZ and I got to know him much better.

He seemed to me to be a strong man and a strong-willed man. He saw things his way and was very certain of himself. I got to know him as a proud father and always a central part of the larger family. His presence at any family gathering was essential and he added a special flavor to our gatherings. When I brought my first real girlfriend over to a family gathering, Uncle James immediately made her feel like part of the family. I'll bet Elisa remembers him to this day, though we split up in the freshman year of college. And the memories of him teaching Susan and other family members how to dive into the pool and swim are still fresh.

Though he was never what anyone would consider an orthodox jew, he was what everyone would consider a devoted jew- it was in his heart and his very fabric.

Everything about him told you he was a tough man, but a loving man and family always came first. I guess if I had to say, he was an outstanding role model who led by example. Though I was not there near the end, I hear that, true to form, he continued to struggle to be strong/young and independent. I feel honored to be in the same family with Uncle James.

Karl Heilmann

November 30, 2013

Susan Belhassen

November 22, 2013

Susan Belhassen

November 22, 2013

Susan Belhassen

November 22, 2013

Susan Belhassen

November 22, 2013

Robin, Susan, Danny, and Carla... I am so sorry for your loss. Your father, uncle was always a "kick" to be around. I loved speaking French with him after my return from my year in Paris. Very sad for me to find this out today.

Vickie Vega Mc Cracken

November 17, 2013

Dear Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God, Family and Friends. Luke 1:78

November 16, 2013

I'll never forget you, and pray for you from Israel, the land of your people.?? ???? ????

Ava (Bathsheva) Reiss

November 14, 2013

Guy Perez

November 14, 2013

James was for his french family the very image of what is the best in the american people : spontaneous, just, good, proud, happy living, sharing the joy and happiness around him. Every time he visited us, it was a true celebration to see him with his radiant smile which illuminated everybody around him. It was funny when he mixed and migled arabic, jewish, french and american words and expressions, but that was his charm.
He will be deeply missed but will always remains in our hearts.

Guy and Nicole PEREZ

November 13, 2013

Dear Dad: Thank you so much. I love you. I will always strive to follow your advice to have fun and be careful. <3

Susan Belhassen

November 13, 2013

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