James Bell Jr.

Family-Placed Death Notice

BELL, James, Jr. James Jefferson Bell, Jr., 88, died on Saturday, November 14th at his home in Bedford, VA after a short illness. "Jim" was born in Williston, SC on September 21, 1921. He and his father, James Jefferson Bell Sr. soon afterward moved to Barnwell SC where Jim grew up. A 1942 graduate of Clemson College, with a degree in electrical engineering, Jim was immediately commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corps. He was a pilot assigned to the 12th Air Force, 79th Fighter Division, seeing action in North Africa, the invasions of Sicily and Italy, and finally Southern France. In 1945 he was awarded the Bronze star for his tireless efforts and outstanding leadership. He held the rank of 1st Lieutenant as the war ended. Jim's professional career began in 1946 with ten years of service with Georgia Power Company. In 1956 he accepted a position in facilities management with Lockheed Aircraft in Marietta GA. Jim spent 13 years with Lockheed during it's heydays of growth and new product rollout. In 1969, an opportunity as Director of Facilities lead Jim to accept a new position with Martin Marietta Aerospace based in Orlando FL. Jim retired as Vice President of Facilities from Martin Marietta in 1983. Family and friends will remember Jim as the kindest of souls, always willing to lend a hand; able to solve any problem and skilled at almost every trade. The easiest way to describe Jim Bell is by the one simple word "SOLID". His impact and impression on those around him was always greater than he would care to acknowledge, but is now our duty to shout out and celebrate. Of all of Jim's many skills and talents none could be greater than those as being a Father, Husband, critic, counselor, peacekeeper, and sometimes miracle worker for his family. Jim is preceded in death by his first wife Betty Fowke Bell. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Gayle; daughter, Beverly Murphy; sons, Tom Bell, James Ervin and Jeff Ervin; grandchildren, Alison, Shaun, Margaret, Jon, Katherine and Anna; great grandchildren, Davis and Charlie. Private services will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Bedford Humane Society, P.O. Box 1293, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 317 W. Main Street, Bedford, 540-586-7360.