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Jon Bell Obituary
Jon Warren Bell passed away from Coronavirus on March 31, 2020. Jon was born in Morristown, NJ on April 6, 1936, son of Edward Arthur Bell and Helen Looker Bell. He was a direct descendant of early settlers in New Jersey and fighters in the Revolutionary and Civil War.
Jon spent his first nineteen years in Essex Fells, NJ. While attending Grover Cleveland High School in Caldwell, NJ. he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track, and is a member of the GCHS Hall of Fame.
Following high school, Jon attended St. Lawrence University, in Canton, NY, majoring in Geology. During his summer vacations, he was employed by mining companies, prospecting for ore in Northern Canada and Labrador.
In 1958, Jon was commissioned as a Naval officer following his completion of Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. Jon served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy and served proudly in an A3D squadron (VAH-8) in the Seventh Fleet in Carrier Air Group Two on the USS Midway (CVA-41). Jon later served in the First Naval District in Boston as an Intelligence Officer.
Jon spent his entire post-Navy career in law enforcement. He served as a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation for twenty-four years and was assigned to five field offices throughout the United States before his retirement in Jacksonville, FL in 1987. Jon was subsequently employed by the State of Florida as an insurance fraud investigator for over fourteen years prior to his second retirement in 2004.
Jon is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Ilse Lauer Bell, son Ernst Arthur Bell, Ernst's wife Melissa Ferwerda Bell, grandson Ryan Michael Bell, granddaughter Elizabeth Ansley Bell, and granddaughter Katherine Riley Bell, all of Jacksonville, FL; son Jon Erik Bell, Erik's wife Stephanie Evans Bell, grandson Jon Robert Evans Bell and granddaughter Julia Grace Louise Bell, all of Wellington, FL; and brother Allan Arthur Bell (Lois), Decatur, IL. Jon's brother, Michael Peter Bell of Greenville, NC, predeceased him.
Jon was an avid tennis player, sports enthusiast, and a student of World War II history. Jon was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and a longtime member of the German-American Club of St. Augustine.
A memorial service to remember and celebrate Jon's life will be held after gathering restrictions have been lifted.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jon Bell
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Bill Bodziak
June 28, 2020
I was out of the country for most of March and was unaware of Jon's passing. Only in Jacksonville office my last year before retiring in 1998, Jon and I never worked together, but we met each other at the monthly retired agents breakfasts in Amy's at the Town Center. A very nice person and I'm sure was a wonderful father. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Bill Bodziak
April 19, 2020
Ilse, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time.
Our Love,
The Tolbert Family
Helmut und Karin Lauer
April 18, 2020
Liebe Ilse, lieber Ernst und Familie, lieber Erik und Familie, wir sind sehr traurig mit Euch über den, durch die Corona Pandemie, verursachten, plötzlichen Tod von Jon und sprechen Euch unsere herzliche Anteilnahme aus. Auer den alljährlichen Geburtstags- und Weihnachtsgrüen hatten wir erst über einen Besuch von Steffi in den USA, die groe Gastfreundchaft und Hilfsbereitschaft im Hause Bell erfahren.1998 konntenn wir selbst bei einem Kurzurlaub bei den Bells schöne gemeinsame Tage genieen. Jon und Ilse zeigten uns IHRE Stadt, den Rohbau des neuen Hauses und nahmen sich darüber hinaus Zeit für weitere Besichtigungen und vor allem Zeit für uns. 1993 begannen wir im zweijährigen Rhytmus, mit gut organisierten Cousintreffen in Deutschland. Zu diesen Treffen reisten auch Ilse und Jon an, wann immer es ihnen möglich war. Auch wenn Sprachbarrieren unsere Kontakte erschwerten, so verstanden wir uns doch auf Anhieb sehr gut. Wir schätzten die besonnene und humorvolle Art von Jon sehr und hatten groe Freude in der gemeinsamen Zeit. Wir können ermessen, wie schwer Euch Allen der Abschied von Jon fällt, vor allen Dingen in dieser Zeit der Kontaktsperre, wo nicht einmal eine tröstliche Umarmung möglich ist und eine würdevolle angemessene Trauerfeier und Beisetzung erst zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt stattfinden kann.In Gedanken umarmen wir Euch Alle und wünschen Euch Gesundheit, Kraft und Gottes Segen in dieser schweren Zeit des Abschiednehmens und der Trauer.
Helmut, Karin und Steffi
Roy Blanco
April 14, 2020
Sincere condolences to Jon's family.
Roy Blanco, retired Fla. state trooper.
WALT KNIGHTEN
April 12, 2020
JON WILL BE MISSED BY OUR RETIRED TENNIS PLAYERS.
HE WAS ALWAYS UPBEAT AND FUN TO BE AROUND.THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.REST IN PEACE.
Elizabeth Ledbetter
April 12, 2020
Jon was a kind and sweet man. I met Jon at the Blue Cypress Park and played tennis with him and the group. My husband and I moved to Palm Bay FL but stay in touch with the group. As a fellow law enforcement officer Jon and I always engaged in great conversation. Thank you for your service Jon and R.I.P. brother.
Curtis Fallgatter
April 12, 2020
I had the honor of working with Jon as a federal prosecutor, where I worked for 17 years. I never met a harder working, more effective, kinder or more polite agent in my career. He was always a pleasure to work with and always a gentleman.I know he will be missed. Please except my condolences.
April 10, 2020
Deepest condolences to Ilse and the chil.dren and Grandchildren of Jon
Richard and Ute Belmont
April 9, 2020
We send our sympathy to Jon's family. William & Lynda Bradley
April 9, 2020
Our most sincere sympathy to Jon's family and friends. We will miss our long time friend. Richard and Michelle Weinberg
Curt Barringer
April 8, 2020
I will dearly miss "Onkel" Jon, He was a great friend to my parents and a role model for me. He was always there when my family was in need. Although I haven't seen him in a few years, it troubles me to know he's not there anymore if I had to call. I know he raised two fine sons, who I also consider family, and I know he is proud of them. To Tante Ilse, please know the Barringers are always here for you.
John Keane
April 7, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jon W. Bell. I met Jon while I was working at the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office in the late 60's. He was a well respected Agent of the FBI, a true professional. May he rest in Peace.
Chuck Blalock
April 7, 2020
Jon was just one of those nice guys. I'm sure my Mom and Dad would have agreed.
John Taddia
April 7, 2020
My condolences on Jon passing. I played tennis with him and talked to him many times. I enjoyed his company. I know you and everyone who knew him, will miss him. God's blessings to you all.
N.A.R.C.
Catherine Thomas
April 7, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jon's family. He was highly regarded by the members of the National Association of Retired Cops (N.A.R.C.) and will be missed.
Irene Campbell
April 6, 2020
With deepest sympathy.
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