Jimmy Bell

On July 16, 2007, Jimmy Bell took the final step of his earthly journey and his first step into eternity when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior.
Born James Edgar Bell on Feb. 20, 1923, to John Henry and Mabel Gertrude (Wilson) Bell in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Jimmy was the third of four children: an older brother and sister, Harry and Nancy, and younger sister, Shirley. After the passing of his birth mother, the family moved to Havre and ran the East Side Grocery Store. From age 7, Jimmy was raised by his father and stepmother Gladys. She was an extremely special person in his life. His family moved to Billings around 1938. Jimmy and his dad built their family home at 9 Roosevelt Ave. Jimmy loved to roller skate and dance, and won several contests. In 1941, Jimmy graduated from Billings Senior High School.
On Oct. 31, 1942, Jimmy enlisted in the Coast Guard and served his country during World War II. The war left a lasting impression on Jimmy. He truly loved his country and never regretted his time in the military. Landing barge training - Coronado, Calif.; stationed at Alameda, Calif., San Francisco and Point Reyes, Calif.; Jim served aboard the USS Cambria and participated in several campaigns: Philippine Liberation, Atlantic-Pacific, American Areas (Marianas Operation - Capture and Occupation of Saipan; Tinian Capture and Occupation; Leyte Landings; Lingayen Gulf Landings; Okinawa Gunto Occupation - Assault and Occupation of Okinawa Gunto). On Nov. 27, 1945, Jimmy was discharged and returned home to Billings, his new bride, family and friends.
On Jimmy's last military leave, he proposed to Marjorie Voshall. They were married May 16, 1945, at the First Congregational Church in Billings. Dancing was their passion and, boy, could they cut a rug. Their life together and love produced four children: Sandi Bell, Billings; Linda Bell, Billings; Zane Bell, Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and Shirley Elings, Billings. Mom and Dad celebrated 57 years together. They showed us that love endures all things. They spent their hours together working on projects, collecting and refurbishing antiques and making special keepsakes for the entire family. Jimmy's wood shop was his pride and joy. It was always immaculate and in order.
Jimmy worked hard at a variety of careers, and usually more than one job or career at a time. He was foreman of the Billings Gazette mailroom and then District Circulation Sales Manager; owner of the MisCue Bar; cook aboard the Klehowa Tugboat (sailed Seattle to Alaska); custodian at Highland Elementary; retired; Jawbone Creek Golf Course Manager in Harlowton; custodian at the Crossroads Alternative School. Final retirement came at 78 years of age. Even then, Jimmy helped Sandi and the Western Health Screen crew with any and all projects and the mail. He loved working, being busy and a vital contributor.
Jimmy exemplified the qualities you would want to pass on to your children. He was loving, caring, honest and a hard worker. He held in esteem God, Country and Family. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the 3 Amigos: Juneau, Adak and Kody. In Harlowton, they called him Diamond Jim, because his wife and children were his jewels. The only thing our dad/grampa fell short on in life was his height. He was heads above the rest where it counted. His smile and sense of humor were present and visible to the very end.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; father John Henry Bell; mother Gladys V. Bell; brother Harry Bell; sisters Nancy and Shirley.
Left to celebrate his life are daughter Sandra Bell, Billings; daughter Linda Bell (Ernie Hudson), Billings; son Zane Leslie Bell (Kathryn), Murfreesboro; daughter Shirley Elings and husband John; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Marge and Bill Hall, Michele Manning (Paul, Becca and Nicholas), Sydne Williamson, JJ and Calvin Bacon (Colter), Becky and Dave Sanders (Abby, Sean and Alex), Tyler Elings, Lindsay Bell (Piper), Jimmy Bell, Leslie Bell, Julie Davenport (Jamison), Isaac Bell.
Services will be held at Faith Chapel, corner of Shiloh and Broadwater, at 1 p.m. Friday, July 20.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Big Sky Hospice, PO Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107, or the Friendship House.
Jimmy's family would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the crew at Stella's. It was his favorite outing, and each of you made him feel so very special. Thank you to Mickey, a true family friend, who lightened our load more than once. Our gratitude and thanks to the to the great team of caregivers - physical, spiritual and emotional - at Big Sky Hospice. You all exemplify a passion for your calling, that of caring for others at the ends of their lives, and you do it with so much love, dignity and compassion. Thank you to Dr. Maurice Johnson for the house call (that's unheard of today) and Dr. Fairfax and staff for Dad's great medical care.

This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.