Jim E. Bell

Services for Jim E. Bell, 68, of Tyler, will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at 10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stake Center, Bullard, with Bishop Sam Anderson officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Tyler under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home.

Jim passed away suddenly on Friday, May 4, 2018, at his residence. He was born May 23, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio, to Bill and Dorothy Virginia Anderson Bell.

Jim was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was a Gold Star Father, participated with the Copperhead Row Car Club, and was active in genealogy research. He loved helping others and giving service. Jim spent his working years as business manager for KNUE and other radio stations, then transitioned to Broadcast Works, and finished his career at East Texas Communities Foundation. However, his favorite job was being "Pappy" at Pappy's Pumpkin Patch; he loved sharing the farm with others. His family deemed him the "official" Blue Bell Ice Cream Taste-Tester (vanilla only!).

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Regina Ruth Bell; his son, 1SG Russell Ryan Bell; and his grandson, Naythan Matthew Bell. He is survived by his loving family, including wife, Elizabeth "Liz" Bell; children, Matthew (Emily) Bell, LaToya Bell, Mike (Cindy) Bell, Andrea (Greg) Baird; and 11 grandchildren. Jim was part of a large family, including siblings, Barb (Doug) Bradley, Sharon (Richard deceased) Gleason, Bill (Rhonda) Bell, Lee (Patty) Bell, Joyce (Art) Thurau, Marilyn (Bob) Foos, and Bob (Geneva) Bell, and countless friends that were considered family.

Jim will be greatly missed; his joy and laughter touched so many. As a child, he overcame his battle with polio, and was able to do so much with just one arm. He was a great example to others, and his legacy will continue to live on in the lives of those that knew him.

Visitation is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2018, at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, in Tyler. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Children's Park of Tyler through their website: www.childrensparktyler.com or by mail: 5380 Old Bullard Road, Tyler, Texas 75703.