Jeffrey Jackson Bell
1941-2017
Jeffrey Jackson Bell of Houston, TX passed away from respiratory failure on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at The Methodist Hospital. He was born in Ogden, Utah on March 4, 1941 to Erma and Jackson H. Bell.
His family moved to Aurora, CO when Jeff was a senior in high school and he attended Colorado School of Mines from 1959 to 1964 majoring in Metallurgical Engineering. He served in the US Army from 1965 to 1968 with a stint in France as a member of the Army Engineer Corps. He was an aide-de-camp to a Brigadier General in the Military Liquidation Section in Paris for one year. Upon his return he enjoyed a long marketing career in the US petrochemical industry with stops at Shell Chemical and Conoco Chemical, retiring after 30 years in 2010 as an Executive Vice President for marketing at Texas Aromatics, LP.
Jeff was easy going and gregarious. He made friends wherever he went throughout his life. He enjoyed lasting friendships from his days at Mines, from his service in the Army, to his career in industry, and with a multitude of golfing buddies along the way. A natural athlete, he made any activity look easy. Golf, tennis, skiing and fly fishing were rhythmic arts to him. He pursued quality in whatever he purchased but was always "frugal". He dearly loved cars (primarily Porsches and BMWs) and read his automobile publications and manuals cover to cover. In retirement, Jeff enjoyed many days on the golf course and in the locker room with fellow club members. Most weekends were spent with he and Susan at their ranch in Brenham, a very happy time for them. He led a rich and full life with family and friends surrounding him. He loved Susan, his children, his stepchildren and his grandchildren and he spent many days traveling to see them and be part of their lives.
Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Erma and Jackson H. Bell and his beautiful and beloved granddaughter, Rebecca Joy Wiggins. He is survived by his wife, Susan Bell; his children, Courtney Bell Assir and husband Andrew, Ashley Bell Frey and husband Charlie, Stacey Bell Wiggins and husband Trae; his step children, Brandy Utz and husband James, Matt McRee, Rachel Kaufman and husband Galen, and Austin McRee; his grandchildren, Rawley and Gracie Assir; Major, Caroline, and Jeffrey Jackson (his namesake, AKA Jake) Frey; Jacob, Samuel, and Joshua Wiggins; and his step grandchildren, Reagan and Ian Utz; and Orion and Lily Claire Kaufman. He is also survived by his sisters, Janet Riger of Mesa, AZ and Susan Tribe and husband Bill of Ogden, UT.
A memorial service will be held on January 5, 2017 at 3:00 PM, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Houston, TX. A reception will be held in Fellowship Hall after the service. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that any memorial contributions in his name be made to the Colorado School of Mines Foundation, Inc., PO Box 4005, Golden, CO 80402-4005.

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Published by Houston Chronicle from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Bell

Sponsored by Heights Funeral Home.

14 Entries

Stacy Élan

January 12, 2018

Susan, learning today of Jeff's death saddened me and also brought back memories of many laughter-filled evenings with you two at the Pilates studio.

Stacy Élan

January 10, 2018

Susan I was so saddened to hear of Jeff's death today. I know the two of you had a wonderful loving relationship that you will miss greatly. Know that if there is anything Dave and I can do don't hesitate to ask. So incredibly sorry we did not know in time to attend Jeff's Memorial Service.
Best
Sandy Steitz

Angela Marks

January 6, 2018

My deepest sympathy. May the power of prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace of mind and provide you much comfort for you during these difficult times. Matthew 21:22

Lou Kelley

January 6, 2018

Susan: So very sorry for your loss. Trent was so fond of Jeff and considered him a mentor. I will always remember our visit with you and Jeff in your beautiful home in Brenham. God bless you and all of Jeff's family during this very sad time.
Lou Kelley

January 6, 2018

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

Ashley, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. Gary Dupuy

January 5, 2018

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

January 3, 2018

Susan,
We were saddened to learn of Jeff's passing. Trent so enjoyed the periodic pairing with Jeff on Tuesdays. Jeff seemed so robust and cheerful when we passed by your table at ROCC.
Life changes so quickly. You are in our in hearts and prayers. We are regretful at being out of town on Friday.
Our love, Bette and Trent

January 3, 2018

Dear Susan,
Having just met and established a new friendship with you and Jeff, we are so saddened by the news. He made a lasting impact on us. He will certainly be missed.
Love to you,
Bill and Tricia O'Donnell

Barrett Sleeman

January 3, 2018

Still can well remember back in college days, Jeff being the only one able to kick footballs over two rows of tall trees and land them in our fraternity house yard. Can't ever remember Jeff without a smile on his face.

Ron Cormier

January 2, 2018

I will sincerely miss Jeff Bell. When I was a young pup in the chemical biz, I first met JB back around 1991, paired in a foursome at Raveneaux Country Club (on the "new course", now closed). I am sure I was a heavy load that day, as were many rounds at ROCC after that, but continued to share regular laughs for many years nonetheless. Frugal?--hellishly; reasonable--always.

Saw Jeff just a few months ago, having randomly bumped into each other in the hardware store, so to read of his passing is a huge shock. RIP MY Friend.

Joyce and Louis Tucker

January 2, 2018

There are no words to express our grief and loss for such a dear dear friend as Jeff. We loved him so much...and you as well. We will always hold close to you.

Kate Ahrens Cevallos

January 2, 2018

I have very fond memories of Mr. Bell growing up across the street. My sister, Beth, and I spent many nights, and enjoyed many family events with the whole Bell and Cramer crew. Our hearts go out to all his family, but especially Brandy, Courtney, Ashley, and Stacey. Mr. Bell was one of kind. He will always be loved and remembered.

Sincerely,
Kate Ahrens Cevallos

Harry Price

January 2, 2018

Dear Susan, Courtney, Ashley and Stacey,

My entire family and I will sorely miss Jeff, as will all of you. Always the delightful gentleman, thoughtful, considerate and concerned. It has been an honor and sincere pleasure for us to have known and been encouraged by him.

Please know you are in our prayers during this sad time.

Sincerely,

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