John-Bell-Obituary

John Bell III

Jacksonville, Florida

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Jacksonville, Florida

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BELL John M. Bell, III (Jack), 56, died on Friday morning, October 14, in the Pacific Ocean, where he was serving as first assistant engineer on the Horizon Hawk en route to China from California. Jack was born on December 3, 1954, to John M. Bell, Jr., and Clara Reid Hoffmann Bell, and lived in...

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I sailed with Jack many times on the PR run. He was a great shipmate and even better fisherman. Jack will be dearly missed by all and never forgotten.

Gus Dunlop's notes from Jack's funeral

Jack and I once planned a bicycle trip to Miami to visit his Uncle Buddy. We planned the trip and referred to ourselves as cohorts for some reason, but nothing sinister or criminal was planned, at least not as I recall. We talked about how many days it would take us, how many miles we could cover each day, how long we would ride each day, where we would camp along the way, how much food and what kind of food to take, equipment we would need,...

I first met Jack while we were living in Puerto Rico. My Jack (Dye) was working on the cranes and we would always go out when their ship was in port. It's neat to read the other comments about him because I think exactly the same thing. When I hear his name, the picture that is formed in my mind is him with his warm, welcoming smile and happy eyes. To his children and father: I am so sorry for your loss, I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you. We will miss him too but will...

Jack was a great shipmate and friend. I am thankful to have spent time with him and his family just last year when my ship was in Jacksonville. Like he always did, he invited me to stay at his house instead of staying in a hotel. I have many memories of Jack- working in the engine room, fishing, eating oysters in the backyard. I am so sorry to hear of his sudden passing and wish his family well.

During my last conversation with Jack, I told him what a great man he has always been--he smiled with that great big grin and twinkling eyes, and seemed so happy. That is how I will always remember him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his beautiful family. Kay, Steve, Stevie, and Lauren Park

Jack was one of the most level headed sailors I've had the pleasure to meet. Fun, easy going, and sharp. I'll miss him dearly.

I met Jack in 1975 at the Calhoon Engineeing School in Baltimore. About 10 years later I sailed on the Antares briefly with Jack, and it was a pleasure working with him. Mostly I saw him ashore. He was the kind of guy you wanted for a neighbor. I wish his family peace at this difficult time and will pray for it.

I am very sorry to hear of Jack's sudden and unexpected passing.
He was a friendly and humorous man to be around and a good engineer to work with.
I remember the picture of his young son on his desk when he worked with us ashore in Edison, and how much Jack missed him.

"Tell my old shipmates I'm taking a trip, mates. And I'll see you one day at Fiddler's Green."

Until then, Jack. Goodbye.