Thomas James Bell, III Thomas James Bell, III, husband of Mary Gwinn Vaux Bell, died Saturday, January 4, 2020. James was born April 3, 1969, to Dr. Jimmy and Nancy Baker Bell. He was raised in Harstville, S.C. He was a graduate of Hartsville High School, Clemson University with a double major in Political Science and English, and the University of South Carolina Law School. James began his legal career as an attorney for the Statehouse on the Banking and Insurance Senate Committee. For the past 19 years, he was a Public Defender with Beaufort County Public Defender's Office. Surviving, in addition to his wife and parents, are his sisters Elizabeth (Terry) Quinn and Andrea (Derek) Trader. Also surviving are Roberts and Mary Vaux, Emily and Chris Burden, Tabor and Erin Vaux, Anna Pepper and Jason Hewett, and 14 nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. at the Church of the Cross, 110 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, S.C. Visitation following the service will be at held at The Pine House, 95 Boundary Street, Bluffton, S.C. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jasper Animal Rescue Mission, jarmission.org, or a charity of your choice.
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5 Entries
James, I will miss you and our discussions during court. I ask God to cover your family during this sad time. Rest High on the mountains my friend.
Suezanne Foot
January 10, 2020
Dan Schmotzer
January 8, 2020
One of God's great gifts to me is my childhood and high school friends from Hartsville. Even though life moved us away from each other, my friends from my hometown have remained in my heart. James, you made me smile, laugh, and comfortable to be me. Thank you for being my friend. You are missed.
To the Bell family, my heart hurts for you. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Catherine Chaplin Hanson
January 8, 2020
Dearest Elizabeth, I was distressed to hear this sad news. My heart aches for you and your family. I will pray for comfort and peace during this long journey of grief and loss. Leah
Leah Gore
January 8, 2020
Sending my condolences to James' family and want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Carolyn - Jasper County Public Defender's Office
Carolyn Carmody
Coworker
January 7, 2020
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